Spell #7
by Ntozake Shange

Name: Spell #7
Brand: Ntozake Shange
SKU: 9780573616273
Rating: 3.88 (53 reviews)

Off-Broadway

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 minsPresent DayRole(s) for Black Actor(s)Interior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Drama

What readers are saying

Readers love the lyrical genius of Shange in 'Spell #7', praising its deep exploration of African American identity and pride. Many find the storytelling techniques to be engaging and accessible for a diverse audience, making it a powerful and relatable experience for all. The play is highlighted for its poetic nature, resonating strongly with those who feel marginalized or ostracized.

Lyrical genius and poetryDeep exploration of identityEngaging and relatable storytellingSome felt challenged by its complexity.

Synopsis

It is set in St. Louis in a bar frequented by Black artists and musicians.

It is another meditation on the irony of being Black in a white world.

The artists bare their souls in soliloquies, many of them illustrated by in the mood dances.

ThemesAfrican Americans--Drama American drama--African American authors African Americans PS3569.H3324 S7 1981

Press Reviews

"Spell #7 is humanely upbeat... In the end, [it] proclaims inner self respect as the essential quality of Black pride and Black identity."
— Christian Science Monitor

"Lovely and powerful."
— The New York Times

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Alec A frustrated, angry actor's actor	—	—	A frustrated, angry actor's actor
Dahlia A young singer/dancer	—	—	A young singer/dancer
Eli A bartender who is also a poet	—	—	A bartender who is also a poet
Bettina DAHLIA’s co-worker in a chorus	—	—	DAHLIA’s co-worker in a chorus
Lily An unemployed actress working as a barmaid	female	—	An unemployed actress working as a barmaid
Natalie A not-too-successful performer	—	—	A not-too-successful performer
Ross A guitarist-singer with NATALIE	—	—	A guitarist-singer with NATALIE
Maxine An experienced actress	female	—	An experienced actress
Lou A practicing magician	—	—	A practicing magician