On with Kara Swisher Wrestling with America’s (Racist) History with Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks
May 2, 2024
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, known for her compelling explorations of race and history, joins for a thought-provoking discussion. She delves into her latest play, 'Sally & Tom,' which examines the complex relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. The conversation tackles America’s tendencies to gloss over its past, the importance of revising historical narratives, and how art can foster dialogue about uncomfortable truths. Parks emphasizes that confronting history with honesty is an act of love.
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Inspiration for Sally & Tom
- Suzan-Lori Parks was inspired to write "Sally & Tom" while working on another play about enslaved people.
- The title's pattern, mirroring her earlier work "Lincoln and Booth," intrigued her.
A Play Within a Play
- "Sally & Tom" uses a play-within-a-play structure to explore how narratives are shaped.
- This highlights the collaborative process of making history and the complexities of truth and reconciliation.
Jefferson's Choices
- Thomas Jefferson's actions cannot be solely attributed to his time period.
- His contemporaries, like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, made different choices regarding slavery.
