Breaking Barriers: Table 17 Serves Black Art with Bold Fourth-Wall Flair

Updated: November 20, 2025 00:46

Image Source: Geffen Playhouse

The romantic comedy Table 17, directed by Zhailon Levingston and written by Douglas Lyons, captivates audiences at Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse by breaking the fourth wall and spotlighting Black art. Starring Gail Bean and Biko Eisen-Martin, the play blends humor, heartbreak, and cultural resonance in a Michelin-star-worthy theatrical experience Daily Bruin.

The West Coast premiere of Table 17 has quickly become one of Los Angeles’ most talked-about theater events. Running at the Geffen Playhouse Gil Cates Theater until December 7, the production redefines romantic comedy by merging traditional storytelling with bold audience engagement.

Directed by Zhailon Levingston and penned by Emmy-nominated playwright Douglas Lyons, the play follows ex-fiancés Jada (Gail Bean) and Dallas (Biko Eisen-Martin) as they reunite for a dinner after two years apart. What unfolds is a sizzling mix of lingering love, heartbreak, and humor—all delivered in just 85 minutes.

Notable Updates

•⁠ ⁠Breaking the fourth wall: The play directly involves the audience, creating intimacy and immediacy that heightens emotional impact.

•⁠ ⁠Spotlight on Black art: Lyons draws inspiration from Black rom-com cinema of the 1990s and 2000s, weaving cultural authenticity into the narrative New York Sta....

•⁠ ⁠Star power: Gail Bean and Biko Eisen-Martin deliver performances that balance vulnerability with comedic timing, making the story both relatable and profound.

Major Takeaways

•⁠ ⁠Cultural resonance: The play celebrates Black love and artistry, positioning itself as part of a broader movement to highlight underrepresented voices in theater.

•⁠ ⁠Critical acclaim: Reviewers have praised Table 17 as “worthy of a Michelin star” for its ability to condense years of emotional complexity into a short runtime Daily Bruin.

•⁠ ⁠Audience connection: By breaking theatrical conventions, the production ensures viewers are not passive spectators but active participants in the unfolding drama.

Important Points

•⁠ ⁠Run dates: November 5 – December 7, 2025, at Geffen Playhouse Gil Cates Theater in Los Angeles.

•⁠ ⁠Creative leadership: Directed by Zhailon Levingston, written by Douglas Lyons.

•⁠ ⁠Themes: Love, loss, humor, and cultural pride—all interwoven with innovative stagecraft.

Table 17 is more than a romantic comedy—it’s a cultural statement, a celebration of Black art, and a daring experiment in audience engagement. With its limited run, it remains one of Los Angeles’ hottest tickets this season.

Sources: Daily Bruin, New York Times

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