THE PERFORMER | Regé-Jean Page
THE SHOW | Roots
THE EPISODE | Parts 3 and 4 (June 1 and 2)
THE PERFORMANCE | History’s lavish remake of the landmark 1977 miniseries was so rich in powerful performances that it was a challenge to single out just one. But, although strong cases were made for Malachi Kirby (Kunta Kinte) and Anika Noni Rose (Kizzy) in particular to be named Performer of the Week, the versatility that Page displayed as Chicken George kept us coming back over and over again to his star turn.
You see, the British-Zimbabwean actor didn’t merely nail the flamboyant showmanship that allowed his character to disarm and even charm white crowds before his masters’ gamecocks had entered the ring. He also shone in subtler, more sincere moments, which afforded us keen insights into both George’s deep devotion to Matilda, the wife from whom he was repeatedly torn away, and his conflicted feelings for Tom Lea, the white father in whom he desperately wanted — and was naïve — to believe.
When Tom finally gave George his freedom, then in the blink of an eye, took it back, the betrayal and rage that Page called forth were haunting to witness. However, the rawness of that pain made it all the sweeter when, near the epic’s conclusion, he radiated George’s joy at being asked by his formerly estranged son how to name his newborn daughter in the Mandinka tradition. (The moment was so moving, it still gives us chills.)
In all honesty, we had never heard of Page before this. (He’s better known overseas.) But now, we’ll be looking forward to checking out whatever he does next. He didn’t just make an excellent first impression, he made a lasting one.
