“Don’t Just Watch, Witness: Why Exit Strategy is the Theatrical Meal Our Community Needs”

Ike Holter is a Chicago playwright whose work, while rooted in the Windy City, speaks to universal themes that resonate with us all. Currently, Road Less Traveled Productions is presenting his play Exit Strategy. This isn’t a story about the quiet wisdom of “accepting what you cannot change”-it is a play about fighting, changing, and doing. It is a raw look at revolution and the challenges of being a revolutionary in a world suffering from selective amnesia-an amnesia that threatens to destroy people, their communities, and the lives they’ve built.

Holter is a vital voice for the 21st-century American experience. Exit Strategy is a story that will make you laugh, feel, and think.

If you’re like me, it might even make you cry.

As we conclude Black History Month, take your celebration downtown for a theatrical “meal” written by a Black man whose words you will remember long after you leave your seat. If you are looking for a theater experience that centers Black and Brown voices, Exit Strategy delivers.

The production features a standout ensemble, including three exceptional Afro-Latin actors that I adore! Gabriella Jean McKinley is always a pleasure to watch; her characterization of Sadie-the Caribbean-sounding ultra feminine teacher with a stylized walk and perfect wig who will be loved by her students-is delightful. Lissette DeJesus-Wrafter is oh so perfectly on point as Jania, a Vassar graduate driving a beat-up Mazda, now facing her third school closure. Alex Garcia brings all the A-game strength, and relaxed energy to Luce, the “cool” teacher unwillingly hiding a secret in-school affair.

The “one to watch,” however, is Steven Maiseke. His performance as Donnie-a high school senior whose intellect is higher than most of his teachers but he’s still a kid losing his school and his “second family” because of social and political negligence and abuse-is absolutely outstanding. His work is convincing, stellar, and deeply moving.

The entire ensemble serves as a testament to the incredible theatrical talent and expertise we have right here in Buffalo. I enjoyed this play immensely and encourage you to go see it. We must support arts and culture that considers us, includes us, and creates space where we are truly seen and heard.

Exit Strategy runs until March 22.

Visit roadlesstraveledproductions.org for tickets and info.

Originally published at https://www.buffchallnews.com on February 26, 2026.