Overview
Synopsis
The “slave play” of the play’s title has a literal meaning in this controversial three-act play by Jeremy O. Harris. The play follows three interracial couples who have decided to put themselves forward for a new and unique form of therapy: Antebellum Sexual Performance Therapy. In all cases, the black partner in the relationships no longer feels sexual pleasure with their white partner. In a rare sexual experiment, the couples play out white-black, master-slave relationships as a means to understanding how their own racial identities and history play into their sexual relationship.
The active part of the sexual therapy takes place on the old MacGranger Plantation in Virginia, with all participants in full mid-nineteenth century costume. When the couples then move into a modern-day therapy session, tensions mount, and big questions come to the forefront of the discussion: How does an interracial relationship work in modern day America and how does it really feel to be black in a relationship with a white partner? Does the history of slavery and racism continue to have an impact on the balance between sex and power? And who is to blame? There are no easy answers in this controversial and unflinching examination of sex, race, and power in contemporary America.
Editor’s Note: This play contains very strong language and explicit adult content.
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Context
Jeremy O. Harris wrote Slave Play while he was a student at Yale School of Drama. The production had its world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop in New York City on November 19, 2018, directed by Robert O’Hara. Due to popular demand, its run was extended by two weeks, closing on January 13th, 2019. The production then prepared to transfer to Broadway but, one month before it was scheduled to open, it hosted a one-off Broadway Blackout night where the audience solely consisted of black
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Editor’s Note: This play contains very strong language and explicit adult content.
Act One
The play opens at the MacGregor Plantation in Virginia. The first of three couples is introduced. Kaneisha, a slave, is working in the overseer’s cottage. Rihanna’s “Work” is played and she begins twerking to the song. Jim, the white overseer, enters carrying a whip and watches her dance. He comments that she has not cleaned the cottage well enough and wonders whether she would eat off the floor.
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Slave Play.
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Abolitionism was a 19th-century movement dedicated to ending slavery and the slave trade. It influenced theatre, literature, and performance as artists engaged with themes of freedom and human rights. Plays addressing abolitionist ideas often carried strong political and moral messages.
Smaller New York theatres producing innovative and experimental works, often stepping stones to Broadway.
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher