Slave Play

Slave Play

Golden Theatre

October 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Slave Play

Jeremy O. Harris’ Slave Play makes clear and strong statements on race and identity.  It is a highly psychological look at the effect of trauma on inter-racial relationships, particularly from the point of view of the partner who identifies as black.  Director Robert O’Hara layers in humor to allow the audience to process the volume of information presented during the course of the action.  The cast of eight deliver high level performances, establishing genuine relationships as they reveal intimate inner-conflicts at an amazing pace.

Three couples are engaged in a week-long therapy retreat.  We enter the story on day three, as they are intensely invested in the fantasy portion of the process.  Kanesha (played by Joaquina Kalukango) portrays a house slave who is whipped and degraded by her overseer, Jim (played by Paul Alexander Nolan).  Alana (played by Annie McNamara) dominates her house servant, Philip (played by Sullivan Jones).  Gary (played by Ato Blankson-Wood) takes advantage of his indentured servant, Dustin (played by James Cusati-Moyer).  Their sexual fantasies take them all to the core issue they are struggling with in their relationships.  Some are able to come to acceptance of themselves and their partner.  Others need to dig deeper.

James Cusati-Moyer & Ato Blankson-Wood
Photo courtesy of Slave Play

Each actor develops their character with vigor and sensitivity that produces complex and truthful portrayals.  They lift Jeremy O. Harris’ writing off the page with raw honesty.  The play is packed with psychological theory and social data that is reflected in the relationships between the characters and the secrets they reveal. 

Slave Play is playing at the Golden Theatre.  It is multi-layered with profound insight that requires thoughtful discussion. 

Domenick Danza