PicksInSix Review: Covenant - Goodman Theatre
Southern Gothic Secrets Possess, Then Spill.
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Sarah Frances Fiorello
The Goodman’s Owen Theatre currently finds itself possessed under the spell of “Covenant”—a new Southern Gothic play by Chicago native, York Walker. The play is set in 1930s Georgia and draws heavy inspiration on the legendary story of Robert Leroy Johnson, the king of “Delta Blues” whose roaring musical success and early death are notoriously linked to having sold his soul to the devil. “Covenant” tells a similar cautionary tale—the gamble of secular living against a backdrop of deep Judeo-Christian beliefs and culture in the American South.
The story opens with Johnny “Honeycomb” James (Debo Balogun) returning to his hometown, having set off to pursue his musical career a few years earlier with drive, courage, and not nearly enough talent. Upon his return and reunion with Avery (Jaeda Lavonne), she finds him suddenly skilled at guitar and blessed with a smooth blues voice, both of which immediately capture Avery’s attention. What follows over the next 90 minutes is a story dripping with secrets that burn its characters like hot wax. Each shares their own in haunting detail, as we watch the effect one has on another including Avery’s ultra-devout mother, Mama (Anji White), perpetually overlooked sister, Violet (Felicis Oduh), and cat-like-curious neighbor Ruthie (Ashli René Funches).
“Covenant” pulls no punches in exploring the paper-thin line between religious zealotism and possession by any other name. One scene, beautifully directed by Malkia Stampley, offers a side-by-side comparison, letting the viewer decide what is uniquely similar and not altogether so different. The technical artistry of Ryan Emens’s set design alongside Gina Patterson’s lighting design place us squarely in 1930s Georgia—one minute the audience is stifled in the thick, southern heat, the next minute we are shifting in our seats preparing for the next supernatural occurrence.
The piece is carried with stamina by five juggernaut actors, who breathe life into their characters with compassion and care. Each brings an element of the human condition to the surface—raw and unfiltered. Funches’s Ruthie shows us the pain of deep yearn magnified by societal restraints. Lavonne’s Avery deftly portrays being trapped by life’s circumstances and then haunted in the search for freedom. As James, Balogun shows us the cruel reality of failing despite our greatest efforts while Oduh’s Violet stoically continues on while constantly in search of love. White’s Mama carries us through the heartbreak of wanting something so badly, you’d do anything—including betraying yourself—to get it.
“Covenant” premiered at Roundabout Theatre Company in 2023 where it was critically acclaimed, receiving the Critic’s Pick from The New York Times. Originally set for its Chicago premiere at The Paramount Theatre, the production found its home at The Goodman’s Owen Theatre where it was met with a warm and eager audience on the night of my viewing.
Playwright York Walker’s writing is smooth and measured, peeling back the layers of an onion, careful not to give away too much too soon. I look forward to what Walker brings forth next and hope to see much more of his work on our Chicago stages. “Covenant” is playing now through May 31st as a part of The Goodman’s centennial season. The play is recommended for ages 15 and up, as it contains mature content including depictions and discussions of violence, sex and sexuality, strong language, and alcohol use.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SARAH FRANCES FIORELLO is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA in Music Theatre and a Chicago-based poet, writer, and performer.
Instagram: @writtenbysarahfrances
PHOTO | Hugo Hentoff
Goodman Theatre
presents
Covenant
Owen Theatre
170 N Dearborn Street
through June 7, 2026
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