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.
Show Information
- Book
- Jeremy O. Harris
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 3
- First Produced
- 2018
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Period, Contemporary
- Time & Place
- The MacGregor Plantation, Virginia, Present Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- Diverse Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Includes Adult Characters, Medium Cast
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
to read the context for Slave Play and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
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.
to read the plot for Slave Play and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
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|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
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
Scenes
Key Terms
The movement responsible for ending the transatlantic slave trade in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Denoting or taking place in a New York City theatre that is smaller than those in the Broadway theatre district and typically stages less expensive/commercial productions.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher