If the city’s established theaters are New Orleans’ version of the Great White Way, then the independent production companies are our Off-Broadway, more apt to present new, cutting-edge theater. InSideOut Productions recently solidified its
position as an independent theatrical force with its production of Bruce Graham’s “Coyote On A Fence” at Delgado Community College.

The drama exploring evil, compassion and the death penalty had insightful
direction by InSideOut co-founder Ashley Ricord and featured fine performances
by Kris LaMorte and Angie Joachim.

InsideOut co-founder Michael Aaron Santos, whose dangerous good looks and
subtle menace have graced many local stages in recent years, turned in a strong
performance as death row inmate John Brennan, well known as editor of the penitentiary newspaper.

In what is surely one of the most compelling performances of recent years, NOCCA|Riverfront’s Jason Kirkpatrick plays Bobby Reyburn, a convict guilty of a horrendous crime which is, at the very least, of the “hate” nature. Bobby readily admits his guilt and, though he doesn’t consider the crime all that hateful, accepts the death sentence as his just desserts. 

John evolves from disgust with Bobby and his crime to a realization that Bobby’s actions are the result of mental deficiencies and prolonged abuse. John fails in his attempts to gain Bobby a new trial based on a question of sanity, as Bobby’s professed racism make him unsympathetic. John’s advocacy can save neither Bobby nor himself from the ultimate stricture of Texas law enforcement.

Earlier in the season, Jason Kirkpatrick played a slow-witted character to comic effect in Rivertown Rep’s “A Flea In Her Ear.” His character in “Coyote On A Fence” may be a distant cousin to that portrayal. It retains its comic aspects but adds a heartbreaking reality, which elicits compassion for a man who cheerfully admits to mass murder. This is something only an actor working at the top of his craft can achieve. •