In the fast-paced world of basketball, few stories loom as large as that of LeBron James. But for every superstar, there are countless fans whose lives are forever changed by their hero’s journey. “King James,” a captivating new play by Rajiv Joseph, takes us courtside to witness the evolution of one such friendship, forged in the crucible of sports fandom.
A Tale of Two Fans
Matt and Shawn, both 21, meet in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in 2004. United by their love for the Cleveland Cavaliers and their rookie sensation, LeBron James, they quickly bond over their shared passion. As Matt, a white fan, sells tickets to Shawn, who is black, their banter is filled with the recognizable language of sports obsession.
Yet beneath the surface, tensions simmer. Sam Mitchell and Enyi Okoronkwo, who portray Matt and Shawn respectively, deftly navigate the shifting currents of their characters’ relationship, alternating between playful ribbing and serious conversation. When Shawn hears Matt criticize James, saying the superstar “should have known his place,” the fault lines of privilege and prejudice are exposed.
Mirroring the King’s Journey
As the play unfolds over four acts, each mirroring a significant moment in James’ career, we witness the evolution of Matt and Shawn’s friendship. When James leaves Cleveland for the Miami Heat, Shawn also departs, pursuing his dream of becoming a screenwriter. Matt, rocked by this double abandonment, must confront his own loyalty and expectations.
This is the problem with America!
– Matt, reflecting on the state of his friendship and fandom
Though the play grapples with weighty themes, it never loses sight of the personal. Joseph’s nuanced dialogue explores the complexities of loyalty and legacy, privilege and prejudice, all through the lens of two friends navigating the ups and downs of sports fandom.
An Intimate Courtside Experience
Director Alice Hamilton’s intimate staging in Hampstead Theatre’s downstairs studio enhances the play’s chamber piece quality. The traverse stage, flanked by the audience on two sides, creates a sense of being right there with Matt and Shawn, sharing in their joys and frustrations.
Good Teeth design studio’s set cleverly transforms from the modest wine bar where the pair first meet to the bric-a-brac shop run by Matt’s parents. Matt Haskins’ lighting and Max Pappenheim’s sound design work in tandem to evoke the electric atmosphere of a basketball game, immersing the audience in the characters’ passion.
The Universal Language of Sports
While “King James” may not delve deeply into the specifics of why James and basketball are so captivating, it succeeds in tapping into the universal language of sports fandom. By focusing on the relationship between Matt and Shawn, the play invites audiences, even those less familiar with the game, to connect with the characters’ emotional journey.
In the end, “King James” emerges as a compelling meditation on the power of sports to unite and divide, to inspire loyalty and test the bonds of friendship. Though it may not eclipse the legend of its titular superstar, this intimate and insightful play offers a courtside view of the human heart, in all its passionate, flawed, and hopeful glory.
Sports has the power to unite us, but it can also lay bare the divisions that run through our society. “King James” reminds us that even as we cheer for our heroes, we must never lose sight of the humanity in each other.
– A theater critic, reflecting on the play’s themes
As LeBron James continues to break records and cement his legacy, “King James” serves as a poignant reminder that behind every superstar are the fans who carry their own stories of love, loss, and the unifying power of sports. In a world often divided by differences, this play offers a glimpse of the common ground we share when we come together to cheer for something greater than ourselves.
