Overview

Synopsis

It’s the year 2000 in Reading, Pennsylvania and a group of friends go to work at the steel mill and then decompress at the bar like they’ve been doing for over 20 years. But, unbeknownst to them, their lives are about to be uprooted. Their steel mill, Olstead’s, is making some changes and the blood, sweat and tears, not to mention the generations of loyalty these workers have shown, don’t seem to amount to much. These middle class, unionized, steelworkers have made plans to save money, go on vacations and then retire with a nice, healthy pension, but when rumors start flying that the company is considering layoffs, and flyers are hung to recruit non-union Latino workers for less money, the war between community and capitalism begins, and tensions start destroying not only jobs, but also relationships. This poignant play takes a look at the de-industrial revolution through the lens of a history play, but also delves into the issues of today: the economy, immigration, race-relations in America, and politics. Lynn Nottage’s Sweat gives us characters filled with the good and the bad and asks us to reflect on our own views and the views of others. Nottage never tells us who’s right or who’s wrong, but always shows us who’s human.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Mature Audiences (M)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2015
Genres
Drama
Time & Place
Reading, Pennsylvania, 2000, 2008
Cast Size
medium
Ideal For
College/University, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Jason

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Chris

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Stan

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Tracey

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Cynthia

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Evan

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Oscar

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Jessie

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Brucie

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    In theatre, addiction may refer both to a character’s struggle with compulsive behavior as a theme and to the real-life issue affecting performers or audiences. Plays about addiction often explore psychological, social, and moral dimensions. It is a recurring motif in modern drama due to its human intensity.

    A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.

    A gender-neutral term for people of Latin American heritage, represented in modern theatre to promote inclusion and diversity.

    A recurring element, such as a symbol, image, or phrase, that reinforces a play’s themes. Motifs help unify the structure of a work and deepen its symbolic meaning.

    A prestigious U.S. award for achievements in journalism, literature, and drama. Many modern plays that reflect social and political themes have received this honor.

    An object, character, or element used in a play to represent a deeper meaning or theme beyond its literal definition.

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Quote Analysis

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