The Play “Appropriate” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
“Appropriate” is a play by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins that explores the legacy of racism and the exploitation of history through a family drama; The play premiered on Broadway in 2023 and received critical acclaim for its writing, direction, and cast․
Synopsis
“Appropriate” plunges into the heart of a dysfunctional family, the Lafayettes, as they gather at their dilapidated Arkansas homestead for a reunion following the death of their patriarch, a man who, as the play unfolds, is revealed to have a shocking secret․ The play unfolds as the family members, each burdened by their own personal baggage, confront their past, their present, and the legacy of their family’s history, which is deeply intertwined with the dark history of slavery and racism in the American South․ As the play progresses, the characters grapple with the weight of their family’s secrets and their own complicity in the perpetuation of a legacy of exploitation and privilege․ The play utilizes a blend of dark humor and dramatic tension, creating a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, racial identity, and the enduring impact of the past on the present․
Themes
“Appropriate” delves into a tapestry of complex themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences․ At its core, the play grapples with the legacy of racism and the enduring impact of slavery on American society․ The family’s history, inextricably linked to the exploitation of Black people, casts a long shadow over the present, forcing the characters to confront the uncomfortable truth of their ancestors’ actions and their own complicity in maintaining a system of privilege․ The play also explores themes of family dynamics, highlighting the deep-seated resentments, unspoken truths, and fractured relationships that plague the Lafayette clan․ The characters struggle to reconcile their personal desires and ambitions with the expectations and obligations imposed by their family history․ Furthermore, the play delves into the complexities of identity and the ways in which our understanding of ourselves is shaped by our lineage, our environment, and the historical narratives that we inherit․ “Appropriate” ultimately challenges us to confront the uncomfortable realities of our past and examine the ways in which our present actions perpetuate or disrupt the cycles of power and inequality․
Characters
“Appropriate” features a compelling ensemble cast of characters, each grappling with the weight of their family’s history and their own individual struggles․ At the heart of the play is the Lafayette family, a group of siblings and their spouses who gather at their ancestral home in Arkansas for the funeral of their recently deceased patriarch․ The characters include⁚
- Toni⁚ The eldest daughter, Toni is a strong and independent woman who has long struggled with the complexities of her family’s past and their connection to slavery․
- Bo⁚ Toni’s brother, Bo is a lawyer who is trying to maintain a sense of respectability and distance himself from his family’s legacy․
- Fran⁚ The youngest of the siblings, Fran is a free-spirited artist who is constantly seeking to break free from the confines of her family’s expectations․
- Rachael⁚ Bo’s wife, Rachael is a pragmatic and level-headed woman who is trying to navigate the complexities of her marriage and her in-laws․
- Anya⁚ Fran’s wife, Anya is a sensitive and artistic woman who is struggling to find her place within the family․
These characters, along with the other members of the Lafayette clan, are intricately woven into a narrative that explores the complexities of family, race, and identity․ Their interactions and conflicts reveal the power dynamics that shape their relationships and the ways in which their past continues to haunt their present․
Setting
“Appropriate” is set in the decaying, opulent mansion of the Lafayette family, located in a rural area of Arkansas․ This sprawling home, once a symbol of wealth and privilege, now stands as a crumbling testament to a bygone era․ The mansion itself is a physical manifestation of the family’s history, its grandeur a stark contrast to its current state of disrepair․
The play’s setting is not merely a backdrop but a crucial element that informs the characters’ actions and motivations․ The mansion is a repository of family secrets, holding within its walls the echoes of a past that cannot be ignored․ The dilapidated state of the house reflects the family’s fractured relationships and their inability to confront the uncomfortable truths about their history․
The characters’ interactions with the mansion, its dusty rooms and faded grandeur, serve to underscore the themes of legacy, class, and the enduring impact of the past․ The play’s setting is a poignant reminder that the ghosts of history are never truly gone, and that the weight of the past can shape the present in ways that are often difficult to escape․
Production History
“Appropriate” debuted in 2013 at the Humana Festival of New American Plays, hosted by the Actors Theatre of Louisville․ This initial production garnered significant attention and critical acclaim, solidifying Jacobs-Jenkins’s status as a rising playwright․ The play’s success led to subsequent productions at renowned theaters across the country, including Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D․C․, and Signature Theatre in New York City․
In 2014, “Appropriate” received the prestigious Obie Award for Best New American Play, further solidifying its critical recognition․ The play’s Broadway debut arrived in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its production history․ The Broadway production featured an acclaimed cast and received rave reviews, propelling “Appropriate” to even wider recognition and solidifying its place as a contemporary theatrical masterpiece․
The play’s journey from its initial production at the Humana Festival to its Broadway debut showcases its enduring impact on the American theater scene․ “Appropriate” has captivated audiences and critics alike with its powerful exploration of family dynamics, race, and the weight of history, cementing its place as a significant work in the contemporary American theatrical canon․
Critical Reception
“Appropriate” has consistently garnered critical acclaim since its debut, praised for its sharp writing, thought-provoking themes, and powerful performances․ Critics have lauded Jacobs-Jenkins’s ability to weave together a complex tapestry of familial relationships, racial tensions, and the lingering legacy of America’s history of slavery and oppression․
The play’s dialogue is often described as both witty and unsettling, capturing the awkwardness and tension that often arises within families grappling with difficult truths․ Reviewers have highlighted the play’s ability to provoke conversations about race, class, and privilege, while simultaneously entertaining audiences with its dramatic twists and turns․
“Appropriate” has been praised for its unflinching exploration of uncomfortable truths, challenging audiences to confront their own biases and assumptions․ The play’s themes of inheritance, responsibility, and the impact of the past on the present have resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike, solidifying its reputation as a timely and relevant work of contemporary theater․
Awards and Recognition
“Appropriate” has received numerous accolades and recognitions, underscoring its critical and artistic significance․ The play’s most prominent honor is the 2014 Obie Award for Best New American Play, a prestigious award bestowed upon outstanding new works in American theater․ This recognition solidified “Appropriate” as a groundbreaking and impactful contribution to contemporary drama․
Beyond the Obie, “Appropriate” has garnered other notable distinctions․ It was a finalist for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2014, further affirming its literary merit․ The play has also been selected for production by prominent theaters across the United States, including the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Victory Gardens Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Signature Theatre․
These productions and awards highlight “Appropriate” as a play that has resonated with both critics and audiences, solidifying its place as a significant work in contemporary American theater․
Impact and Legacy
“Appropriate” has left a lasting impact on contemporary theater, engaging in a dialogue about race, history, and family dynamics that continues to resonate with audiences․ The play’s unflinching exploration of America’s fraught past, particularly the legacy of slavery and its lingering effects on contemporary society, has sparked crucial conversations about social justice and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths․
“Appropriate” has served as a catalyst for critical engagement with the themes it explores․ It has prompted discussions about the complexities of family relationships, the power dynamics inherent in race and class, and the ways in which historical injustices continue to shape present-day experiences․ The play’s enduring popularity and its frequent production in theaters across the country speak to its enduring relevance and its ability to provoke thought and reflection․
“Appropriate” stands as a testament to the power of theater to illuminate social issues and initiate meaningful discourse․ Its impact extends beyond the stage, fostering ongoing conversations about race, history, and the responsibility of confronting uncomfortable truths․ The play’s legacy is one of continued relevance, prompting audiences to engage with complex themes and grapple with the enduring challenges of our time․
Availability of the Play
“Appropriate” is readily available for those seeking to access its powerful narrative and engage with its themes․ Several avenues exist for acquiring the play script, ensuring its accessibility for both performance and study․ Dramatists Play Service, Inc․, a renowned play-licensing and theatrical publishing agency, offers “Appropriate” for purchase, providing access to the complete script and performance rights․
For those interested in exploring the play’s text digitally, online platforms like Archive․org provide access to “Appropriate” in PDF format․ This option allows for convenient reading and study, making the play’s content easily accessible to a wider audience․ Additionally, various online bookstores offer “Appropriate” in both PDF and ePUB formats, catering to diverse reading preferences and digital platforms․
“Appropriate” is also part of an anthology called “Humana Festival 2013⁚ The Complete Plays,” offering a collection of plays presented at the Humana Festival of New American Plays․ This anthology provides a broader context for understanding “Appropriate” within the landscape of contemporary American playwriting, offering valuable insights into the artistic landscape of the time․ The play’s widespread availability ensures that its powerful themes and compelling narrative continue to resonate with audiences and foster critical engagement with important social issues․
Further Reading
For a deeper dive into the world of “Appropriate” and the multifaceted themes it explores, several resources offer valuable insights and perspectives․ Beyond the play itself, exploring critical analyses and scholarly discussions can enhance understanding and appreciation of its complexities․
Publications like “The Role of Culturally-Appropriate Play in Child Development” by Wendy Wieber and Lucia Quinonez Sumner provide a broader context for understanding the significance of play in child development․ This resource offers valuable insights into the intersection of play and cultural identity, a theme that resonates with “Appropriate’s” exploration of family dynamics and racial legacy․
Academic journals like “The Drama Review” often feature articles and essays that delve into contemporary playwriting, offering critical perspectives on “Appropriate” and its place within the broader theatrical landscape․ These scholarly publications can provide nuanced analyses of the play’s themes, style, and impact, enriching the reader’s understanding․
Additionally, exploring the works of other playwrights who address similar themes, such as Tracy Letts and Sam Shepard, can offer valuable comparative perspectives․ These playwrights, known for their incisive portrayals of family dynamics and social issues, provide a framework for understanding the unique voice and style of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins in “Appropriate․”