The Civil War as you've never seen it before

War is rarely fought by those who have a choice in the matter - this forms the main focus of this searing play set during the Civil War through the eyes of slaves. In particular, our protagonist is Hero, who is dragged from his life of drudgery in West Texas to fight the Confederate cause on the battlefield. Suzan-Lori Parks' thrilling new play throws curveballs from the start - this is no ordinary play about slavery and the Civil War.

Using modern wit, anachronistic props and language to portray the mess that is war, and the seeming disposability of those who fight it, this play could be set in any era. Starring two actors best known from quality TV dramas, Sterling K. Brown of The People vs. O.J. Simpson and Michael McKean of (Better Call Saul), this Greek tragedy-style play contains enough twists and turns that will have you wondering who you are rooting for.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

The dilemma of personal choice versus the moral right plagues a young black slave, Hero; offered the chance of freedom if he accompanies his master to fight for the Confederate Army, he finds himself constantly battling his own conscience throughout. When he and the master (now a high-ranking Colonel) take a hostage from the Union Colored Army, we learn more about Hero's past life and deeds, not all of them as heroic as he would have us believe. Living with a common-law wife Penny at a slave hut, doubting his master's promise and the sickening reality that he would be fighting against slave emancipation lies at great odds with the chance of his own freedom.