GENESIS by Mercedes White
GENESIS by Mercedes White
Embedded Files
Original production
Original production
September 2014 at the Den Theatre, Chicago | produced by Definition Theatre Company
Alana Arenas, director
Origin Story of the Play:
Origin Story of the Play:
Mercedes White was inspired to write Genesis while understudying in Milwaukee Rep’s 2013 production of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. Struck by one of Mama’s lines where she reveals she almost lost her husband early in their marriage, White wanted to explore this particular moment, a turning point in a relationship that went on to leave such an important legacy. Genesis, inspired by the classic, is a poignant demonstration of true love conquering all. (Unfolding Their Own Myth and an interview with the playwright)
What the playwright says about the play:
What the playwright says about the play:
"Genesis is a tale of love, family, loss, and the intricacies of the existential roles we play in the lives of one another, absent of our full awareness. " (High Concept Labs Info)
What the critics say about the play:
What the critics say about the play:
White's dialogue is snappy, often comical, and well delivered. The play has worthy comments on systematic oppression, soulful monologues, and some particularly insightful moments when an Irish immigrant is brought into the fold. (Timeout Chicago)
In a way, this play becomes an episode of “Friends”, if that show were predominantly African-American, set 70-some years earlier, and a drama. Friends/neighbors come in and out, entertain, query, and add their support, then leave. But, when they are needed most, they stick around. (Theatre by the Numbers)
images: archive.org and chicagohistory.org
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