Overview

Synopsis

Georgia Douglas Johnson’s plays were written during the height of the Harlem Renaissance and offered an unflinching look at the experience of black Americans and the issues they faced. At front and center in Plumes is poverty and the lingering effects of slavery as desperate mother Charity must make an agonizing decision about her gravely ill daughter. The play is an aching look back at history that can be used as an educational tool and a catalyst for meaningful conversations.

Show Information

Book
Georgia Douglas Johnson
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1927
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
A cottage kitchen. 1927.
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
College/University, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Female Cast, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Early Teen Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Charity Brown

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Tildy

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Emmerline Brown

Featured

Female

Non-singer, Silent

Dr. Scott

Featured

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

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

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

    Ensemble

    A group of performers who function as a unit in a production rather than as individuals with leading roles.

    Folk play

    A traditional performance rooted in local culture and storytelling, often performed seasonally or ritually.

    Harlem Renaissance

    A cultural movement of the 1920s and 30s celebrated in theatre for its artistic contributions and Black identity expression.

    Superstitious

    Belief in the supernatural or omens, frequently used in theatre to foreshadow or reflect character fears.

Videos

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Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright