Brown Face
by Carissa Atallah

Name: Brown Face
Brand: Carissa Atallah
SKU: 9780573710087
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

Brown Face Book Cover — Brown Face Cover

Highlights

Female

Male

90 mins Present Day Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes

Synopsis

Gracia is a Chicana writer and DREAMer.

In order to draw attention to her work but not her undocumented status, Gracia convinces her white and US-born best friend Mariza to perform her poetry.

When Gracia’s words launch Mariza into gaining a following as a Latinx artist and activist, their friendship is tested by issues of privilege and cultural appropriation.

Part play, part poetry slam, Brown Face follows a group of college students as they navigate their identities in the competitive world of spoken word poetry.

Press Reviews

"We were moved by the quality of the writing and the relevant and compelling themes."
— Playwrights Foundation

"Carissa Atallah explores identity, privilege, and authenticity in this witty and thought-provoking play about two college frenemies."
— New Play Exchange

"The ideas and questions that fill this play are ones that couldn't be more relevant. It's in no way didactic, though. It's a play that never chooses a side with any specific character. It actually leaves that up to the audience in a jaw-dropping final moment. Colonization and appropriation need to be discussed in all areas of our culture but especially in the theatre."
— New Play Exchange

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Mariza Concord (Pronounced “Merissa”) White college student in her late teens.	female	—	(Pronounced “Merissa”) White college student in her late teens.
Alex Lechuga Latino college student of mixed ancestry in his early 20’s. Also plays Player.	male	—	Latino college student of mixed ancestry in his early 20’s. Also plays Player.
Sayda Aguilar Afro-latina college student in her early 20’s. Also plays Barista.	female	—	Afro-latina college student in her early 20’s. Also plays Barista.
Xitaly Manjarrez Mexican college foreign exchange student of European ancestry. Also plays Lupita Sanchez.	—	—	Mexican college foreign exchange student of European ancestry. Also plays Lupita Sanchez.
Gracia Flores Mexican college student of indigenous ancestry in her late teens.	female	—	Mexican college student of indigenous ancestry in her late teens.