A Dark Corner of an Empty Room
Norman Beim
The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)
by Nia Akilah Robinson
Highlights
90 mins Present Day Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Bare Stage/Simple Set Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
Synopsis
You think, we carry our ancestors with us?
No. I do think there are hints they leave for us though.
In our walk.
Or maybe I don’t know.
In the soil.
I don’t know.
1832: A mother and daughter stand vigil behind the African Baptist Church in Philadelphia at the grave of a recently deceased loved one.
Today, on the same grounds: Another strangely familiar mother and daughter work as counselors at what is now a sleepaway camp.
Timelines collide, horrors are buried and revealed, but love never lacks.
The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) is a darkly comedic play about our nation’s long practice of harming Black bodies in the name of scientific progress, our responsibility to time, and the role joy plays in living with a history we cannot change.
Press Reviews
"A great investigation into the legacy and manifestations of racism in the present day."
— All That Dazzles
"A generous play filled with wit, vivid characters, and clever observations on systemic inequalities and the generational gap in African American experiences."
— North West End UK
"An enjoyable and emotional watch."
— The Rendition
"An inspired premiere."
— The Reviews Hub
"[A] genuinely ambitious tale of robbing Black bodies."
— The Telegraph
Characters
| Character |
|---|
| Mother &Amp; Mother (Modern Day) (Missy Freeman) She/Her. Black. 34. Six feet tall. 1832, Private. In Control. Funny. |
| John &Amp; John (Modern Day) He/Him/They/Them. White. 25. Redhead. Blonde is fine too. 1832, Outgoing. Lacks empathy. avoidant. Modern day, gives musical theater energy. |
| Janitor &Amp; Cuffee (Modern Day) He/Him. Black. 32. Tall in stature and presence. 1832, Loud. Unapologetic. Bold. Modern day, huggable. Lovable. Shy. Silly. Just wants everyone to have STRUCTURED FUN. |
| Charity &Amp; Charity (Modern Day) She/Her. Black. 16. Of Darker skin tone. 1832, funny, busy, intense. Modern day, very hyperactive and bubbly. Slightly hood-whimsical. A very physically comedic actor. |
Publication
The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) is a play written by Nia Akilah Robinson and published by Samuel French .
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Performance Rights
Available for Licensing
Amateur & Professional
Fee: Minimum Fee: $110 per performance
Restrictions: Major Markets Plus (US) / Standard Plus Add'l Postcodes (UK)
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