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 reluctant leadership, community support, and the weight of history. What makes this particularly fascinating is how playwright J. Nicole Brooks is framing Washington as a modern-day ‘Prince Hal,’ drawing parallels to Shakespeare’s Henry IV. It’s a bold move, but one that immediately stands out as both clever and thought-provoking.
A Mayor, a Tavern, and the Power of Everyday People
The play’s premise—Washington finding support among everyday Chicagoans in a West Loop tavern—is more than just a plot device. From my perspective, it highlights something often overlooked in political narratives: the role of ordinary people in shaping extraordinary leaders. What many people don’t realize is that Washington’s rise wasn’t just about his own ambition; it was about a city’s hunger for change. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a Chicago story—it’s a universal one. Every great leader, whether they admit it or not, owes their success to the people who believed in them when no one else did.
Why Shakespeare? Why Now?
The Shakespearean angle here is no accident. Brooks is clearly using Henry IV as a lens to explore Washington’s journey, but what this really suggests is a deeper connection between historical leadership and modern politics. In my opinion, the comparison to Prince Hal—a character who evolves from a wayward prince to a decisive king—is a subtle commentary on Washington’s own transformation. What’s especially interesting is how this play arrives at a time when questions of leadership, identity, and community are more relevant than ever. It’s not just a history lesson; it’s a mirror held up to our current moment.
The Broader Canvas: Chicago’s Mayoral Trilogy
Prince Hal is part of a planned trilogy at Lookingglass focusing on Chicago mayors, and that’s a detail I find especially interesting. Why mayors? Why Chicago? The city has always been a microcosm of American politics—its triumphs, its flaws, its resilience. By focusing on figures like Washington, Brooks is doing more than telling their stories; she’s unpacking the DNA of a city. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to lead a place as complex and contradictory as Chicago? And how do those lessons apply to other cities, other leaders?
Beyond the Stage: The Cultural Moment
Lookingglass’s decision to produce this play in 2027 isn’t arbitrary. It’s part of a larger cultural shift toward revisiting and reinterpreting history through art. Personally, I think this is a response to our current political climate, where the past feels more present than ever. The play’s timing also coincides with a renewed interest in stories of Black leadership, particularly in the wake of recent social movements. What this really suggests is that Washington’s legacy isn’t just about what he accomplished in the 1980s—it’s about the conversations we’re still having today.
The Reluctant Leader in All of Us
One thing that immediately stands out about Washington’s story is his reluctance. He wasn’t a career politician hungry for power; he was a man pushed into the spotlight by circumstance and community demand. This idea of the reluctant leader is something I find deeply relatable. How many of us have been thrust into roles we never sought, only to discover strengths we never knew we had? Washington’s story isn’t just about politics—it’s about the potential within all of us to rise to the occasion, even when we’re unsure.
Final Thoughts: Why This Play Matters
As someone who’s always been drawn to stories of unlikely heroes, Prince Hal feels like required viewing. It’s not just a play about Harold Washington; it’s a meditation on leadership, community, and the power of ordinary people to shape history. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it blends the personal and the political, the historical and the contemporary. In my opinion, this is exactly the kind of art we need right now—thoughtful, provocative, and unafraid to ask big questions.
If you take a step back and think about it, Washington’s story isn’t just about Chicago or the 1980s. It’s about the enduring struggle for representation, the complexities of leadership, and the quiet moments in taverns or town halls where history is made. This play isn’t just a tribute to a mayor; it’s a reminder that greatness often comes from the most unexpected places. And that, to me, is what makes it truly worth watching.
