Between Riverside and Crazy

Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Awards:

  • Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2015)

Synopsis
Between Riverside and Crazy is a darkly comedic and poignant play that follows Walter “Pops” Washington, a retired police officer living in a rent-controlled apartment on Riverside Drive in New York City. Pops is grappling with the recent death of his wife, a lawsuit against the NYPD for racial discrimination, and the motley crew of characters who share his apartment, including his recently paroled son and an eccentric church lady. The play navigates themes of loss, redemption, and the complexities of gentrification with biting humour and emotional depth.

Themes and Analysis

  • Race and Justice: The play examines systemic racism and the personal toll of institutional discrimination, particularly within law enforcement.

  • Gentrification and Belonging: Pops’s fight to keep his apartment symbolizes the broader struggle for stability and identity in an ever-changing urban landscape.

  • Family and Forgiveness: The fraught relationships between Pops and his son, as well as his extended “family,” explore the limits and possibilities of reconciliation.

  • Moral Ambiguity: Guirgis presents complex characters who navigate ethical gray areas, challenging audiences to question their assumptions.

Key Moments

  • Pops’s Confrontation with the NYPD: His interactions with former colleagues reveal the depth of his anger and disillusionment with the system.

  • The Church Lady’s Visit: A surreal and unexpectedly tender moment that blurs the line between comedy and spirituality.

  • The Apartment’s Symbolism: The struggles over Pops’s apartment serve as a metaphor for his sense of identity and legacy.

  • The Final Scene: An ambiguous and emotionally charged ending leaves audiences reflecting on the play’s central themes.

Critical Reception
Between Riverside and Crazy was lauded for its sharp dialogue, richly drawn characters, and blend of humour and pathos. Critics celebrated Stephen Adly Guirgis for his ability to tackle weighty issues with wit and humanity.

The New York Times described it as “a masterwork of tightly woven contradictions,” while The Guardian called it “an uproarious and searingly poignant exploration of family and society.”

Why It Resonates Today
The play’s exploration of race, justice, and gentrification remains deeply relevant, offering audiences a nuanced look at systemic inequities and their personal impact. Its dark humour and complex characters ensure its timeless appeal.

Fun Facts

  • Stephen Adly Guirgis is also known for his play The Motherf**er with the Hat*, another critically acclaimed exploration of urban life.

  • Between Riverside and Crazy premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York before transferring to Broadway.

  • The play’s title references the geographical and emotional tensions that define its characters’ lives.