Suzan-Lori Parks' new play soars; reimagining a turbulent point in American history through a contemporary lens.
The New York Times
Suzan-Lori Parks' new play soars; reimagining a turbulent point in American history through a contemporary lens.
The New York Times
Why see Father Comes Home From The Wars?
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.
Key Information
Audience
Run Time
Dates
Cast
Steven Bargonetti
Sterling K. Brown
Russell G. Jones
Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris
Michael McKean
Patrena Murray
Tonye Patano
Larry Powell
Roger Robinson
Julian Rozzell Jr.
Josh Wingate
Creative
Directed by Jo Bonney
Scenic design by Neil Patel
Costume design by ESosa
Lighting design by Lap Chi Chu
Sound design by Dan Moses Schreier
Music by Steven Bargonetti