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Fresh Air

'Slave Play' Playwright Jeremy O. Harris Works To Diversity Theater

Jun 21, 2024
Jeremy O. Harris, the award-winning playwright behind the provocative 'Slave Play,' discusses the intense themes of race, intimacy, and trauma in his work. He highlights the significance of Black-only performance nights and the play's cultural impact on Broadway. Harris also reflects on his personal journey through wealth, race, and masculinity, emphasizing how these experiences shaped his artistic vision. Additionally, he shares insights from a new HBO documentary that chronicles 'Slave Play,' providing a behind-the-scenes look at audience reactions and the rehearsal process.
45:20

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 'Slave Play' on Broadway tackles race, sex, and interracial relationships through provocative storytelling.
  • Audience reactions to 'Slave Play' vary based on ethnicity, sparking discussions on racial dynamics in theater.

Deep dives

Exploring the Making of Slave Play on HBO

The documentary on HBO explores the behind-the-scenes process of bringing the play 'Slave Play' to life on Broadway, breaking records and receiving acclaim for tackling race, sex, and interracial relationships. Playwright Jeremy O'Harris directs actors through the workshop rehearsals, offering a provocative look at how the play delves into interactions among three interracial couples dealing with sexual performance therapy.

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