'Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley': A Review

(l-r) Teagle F. Bougere, Cole Wagner, Frankie Zabilka, and Eric T. Miller

By Darlene Donloe 

James Baldwin was a prominent American writer, novelist, playwright, essayist, and civil rights activist. He is known for his brilliant writings on the experiences of African Americans.

William F. Buckley was a well-known American conservative writer, public intellectual, political commentator, and novelist. 

When the two came together at Cambridge University’s Union Hall on February 18, 1965, to debate the motion, “The American dream is at the expense of the American Negro,” it was described as a historic event. 

Baldwin strongly and eloquently advocated for the motion. At the same time, Buckley vehemently opposed it before an overflow crowd packed into the Cambridge Union in Cambridge, England, to witness the historic televised debate. 

This year is the 60th anniversary of the debate. 

A verbatim reenactment of the discussion, ‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley,’ is currently being staged as a West Coast premiere at the Ebony Repertory Theatre from May 9 to 11. 

This powerful play brings to life the momentous 1965 Cambridge Union debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley, portrayed by Teagle F. Bougere (Broadway’s The Tempest and A Raisin in the Sun) and Eric T. Miller (Off-Broadway LAByrinth’s Sweet Storm, Ensemble Studio Theatre’s Mope), respectively.

Director Christopher McElroen has Baldwin and Buckley saunter around the stage, making their case to individual audience members, as if looking for validation.  Movement is paramount to the production of talking heads.

The verbal jousting doesn’t take long to bring up racial tensions. 

‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley’ recreates the epic intellectual showdown that pitted Baldwin’s call for a moral revolution in race relations against Buckley’s unabashed elitism and implicit commitment to white supremacy.

This historic clash, originally filmed at the BBC, reveals the deep roots and lasting legacy of racial conflict that continues to haunt America.

The play, which isn’t a play in the traditional sense, takes place on a stark stage with four Black chairs and a television monitor that periodically shows black and white video clips from the actual event. The audience is cast as the students present at the 1965 event. 

Commentaries by two student orators precede Baldwin and Buckley’s discourse.

Teagle F. Bougere as James Baldwin

As Baldwin, Teagle F. Bougere, who presents a vocal cadence similar to the activist, makes a passionate plea as he argues that the American dream was built on exploiting African Americans. This highlights the country’s deep-seated racial issues. Baldwin connects with the audience, who are hanging on his every word.

Buckley, played admirably by Eric T. Miller, emphasized individual responsibility, suggesting that African Americans should take advantage of available opportunities. At the same time, Baldwin stressed the need for collective responsibility and systemic change.

Eric T. Miller as William F. Buckley

Miller’s Buckley, missing some of his well-known pompous stiffness, pointed to advancements in civil rights and economic conditions. In contrast, Baldwin countered that these improvements were insufficient and that racism remained a fundamental aspect of American society.

The motion was passed with 544 votes in favor and 164 against, a landslide majority of 380.

Baldwin’s speech was widely praised for its emotional intensity and powerful rhetoric, earning him a standing ovation.

Cole Wagner as David Heycock

Frankie Zabilka as Jeremy Burford

The debate has been recognized as pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the stark contrast between Baldwin’s and Buckley’s perspectives on race and equality in America.

The debate's impact went beyond the event, influencing discussions on race and equality in the United States.

At the meeting of the intelligentsia, Baldwin spoke first, and then Buckley. Unfortunately, Baldwin couldn’t refute any of Buckley’s false rhetoric.

Not surprisingly, 60 years later, the themes within the debate remain relevant.

McElroen has directed an intense production that stirs up ancestral wounds.

This presentation is worth a look!

‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley’ was initially produced in 2020 by Christopher McElroen, founding artistic director of the american vicarious, and broadcast in partnership with BRIC, with its New York premiere at the South Oxford Space. The production has toured various New York City, London, and Chicago theatres. 

‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley,’ adapted and directed by McElroen, stars Teagle F. Bougere (James Baldwin) and Eric T. Miller (William F. Buckley Jr.), Cole Wagner (David Heycock), and Frankie Zabilka (Jeremy Burford). 

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), ‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley’ gets an E (excellent).

Ebony Repertory Theatre in association with the american vicarious presents an exclusive engagement of the West Coast premiere of ‘Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley,’ 8 p.m., Friday, May 9; 2 and 8 p.m., Saturday, May 10; and 3 p.m., Sunday, May 11; ERT’s Studio Space in the Nate Holden Performing  Arts Center,  4718  W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90016. Tickets are available at EbonyRep.org.