The Reluctant Prince: Why Harold Washington’s Story Still Matters
There’s something deeply compelling about a leader who never sought the throne but ended up changing the kingdom. That’s the essence of Harold Washington’s story, and it’s why I’m intrigued by the upcoming play Prince Hal at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre. Personally, I think this isn’t just a story about Chicago’s first Black mayor—it’s a timeless tale of leadership, identity, and the power of community. What makes this particularly fascinating is how playwright J. Nicole Brooks frames Washington as a ‘reluctant candidate for greatness,’ drawing parallels to Shakespeare’s Prince Hal. It’s a bold move, but one that immediately stands out as both clever and thought-provoking.
A Mayor, a Tavern, and the Heart of Chicago
The play’s premise—Washington finding support among everyday Chicagoans in a West Loop tavern—feels almost mythic. In my opinion, this setting isn’t just a plot device; it’s a metaphor for the grassroots energy that propelled Washington’s rise. What many people don’t realize is that his election in 1983 wasn’t just a political victory—it was a cultural earthquake. Chicago, a city long divided by race and class, found a unifying figure in Washington. If you take a step back and think about it, this play isn’t just about a mayor; it’s about the people who believed in him. That’s what makes it resonate, even decades later.
Shakespearean Echoes in the Windy City
The comparison to Shakespeare’s Henry IV is more than a clever title. Brooks is tapping into something deeper: the idea that leadership is often thrust upon us, not chosen. From my perspective, this parallels Washington’s own journey. He wasn’t a career politician; he was a lawyer and activist who became a symbol of change. What this really suggests is that true leadership isn’t about ambition—it’s about responding to the moment. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Brooks uses a tavern as the setting for Washington’s transformation. It’s a reminder that politics isn’t just about boardrooms and ballots; it’s about people, conversations, and connections.
Lookingglass’s Bold Choices
Lookingglass Theatre’s decision to produce Prince Hal as part of a trilogy about Chicago mayors is a bold statement. It’s not just about celebrating history; it’s about interrogating it. One thing that immediately stands out is the timing—the play is slated for 2027, nearly 50 years after Washington’s death. This raises a deeper question: Why now? In an era of polarized politics, Washington’s story feels like a reminder of what’s possible when communities come together. Personally, I think this play isn’t just a tribute; it’s a challenge to today’s leaders to rise above division.
Beyond the Stage: The Broader Implications
What’s striking about Prince Hal is how it connects to larger trends in American theater. Plays like Hamilton and The Great Society have shown that historical figures can be reimagined in powerful, contemporary ways. But Prince Hal feels different. It’s not just about Washington’s legacy; it’s about the city he represented. Chicago, with its complex history of race, politics, and resilience, is as much a character as Washington himself. What this really suggests is that local stories can have universal appeal—if they’re told with honesty and heart.
A Thoughtful Takeaway
As I reflect on Prince Hal and its place in Chicago’s cultural landscape, I’m reminded of something Washington once said: ‘We are one people. Our concerns are common concerns.’ That sentiment feels as relevant today as it did in the 1980s. In my opinion, this play isn’t just about the past; it’s about the future. It’s a call to remember that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about service, connection, and courage. If you take a step back and think about it, that’s a message we could all use right now.
Final Thoughts
Prince Hal isn’t just a play—it’s a conversation starter. It invites us to think about who we are, who we’ve been, and who we want to become. Personally, I can’t wait to see how Brooks and Lookingglass bring Washington’s story to life. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends history, art, and community into something greater than the sum of its parts. In a world that often feels divided, Prince Hal reminds us that unity—like leadership—starts with a single step. And sometimes, that step begins in a tavern.
