Wrestling with America’s (Racist) History with Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks
May 2, 2024
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Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks discusses her latest play 'Sally & Tom', exploring the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. They dive into America's trend of revising history and the importance of confronting our nation's past as an act of love. The conversation touches on the complexities of portraying historical figures in art and the power of plays to convey impactful messages about racism and history.
Suzan-Lori Parks delves into the intricate history of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings to challenge traditional narratives and prompt conversations about race and reparations.
Parks advocates for genuine inclusion in the arts, blending excellence with diversity to create spaces where artists of all backgrounds can authentically contribute to the cultural narrative.
Deep dives
Sally and Tom: Exploring History and Race Relations Through Playwriting
Award-winning playwright Susan Lori Parks discusses her latest play, 'Sally and Tom,' which delves into the complex history of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. The play offers a unique perspective on race relations, love, and reparations, challenging traditional narratives of US history and prompting conversations about difficult topics. Parks highlights the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in theater to foster inclusivity and excellence, ultimately aiming to engage audiences in meaningful dialogues about American history.
Resilience and Inclusivity in Theater
Parks reflects on the significance of resilience in her works, emphasizing the role of theater in inviting diverse voices to the stage. She addresses the challenges faced by marginalized communities in the arts and advocates for genuine inclusion that goes beyond tokenism. By blending excellence with inclusivity, Parks strives to create spaces where artists of all backgrounds can thrive and contribute authentically to the cultural narrative.
Embracing Difficult Conversations Through Art
Through her plays and novel, Parks navigates tough topics with humor and insight. She shares her experience transitioning from a playwright to an actor in 'Plays for the Playgears,' revealing how art can provide a platform for exploring personal and societal challenges. Parks underscores the power of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding, encouraging audiences to engage in meaningful discussions about identity, history, and resilience.
Moving Beyond Traditional Narratives
Parks redefines storytelling by infusing her works with diverse perspectives and thought-provoking themes. From her acclaimed play 'Top Dog Underdog' to her upcoming novel set in far west Texas, Parks challenges conventional narratives and pushes boundaries in the literary world. By embracing complexity, resilience, and inclusivity, she continues to inspire audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in transformative dialogues.
In her latest play, Sally & Tom, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks tackles what is, arguably, one of the most complicated and personal chapters in American history: the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, the enslaved woman who gave birth to at least six of his children.
Kara and Parks discuss the play in the context of her past work, as well as our nation's trend of revising history to sand down its rough edges, and why wrestling with our nation’s past is a sign of love.