Suzan-Lori Parks

Suzan-Lori Parks, the groundbreaking playwright and the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, shares insights into her illustrious career. She delves into the complexities of love and identity in her recent work, 'Sally and Tom.' Parks reflects on her upbringing in a military family and its influence on her creativity. She discusses the emotional journey of theater, the dual nature of artistic recognition, and her new novel alongside the music of her band, Sula and the Joyful Noise.

Suzan-Lori Parks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, discusses her impressive career in theater, music, and literature. She dives into her latest work on the complex relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, blending history and art. Parks shares her transformative journey from karate to yoga, reflecting on identity and resilience. She also touches on the art of storytelling, the emotional essence of collaboration in her band Sula and the Joyful Noise, and the profound themes of love, race, and forgiveness woven throughout her creations.

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.