Bug
by Tracy Letts

Name: Bug
Brand: Tracy Letts
SKU: 9780822219637
Rating: 4.02 (1227 reviews)

Off-BroadwayOff-West End

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1900-1910Role(s) for Black Actor(s)Multicultural CastingStrong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsPeriod CostumesAmerican Black History Comedy

Awards & Recognition

Drama Critics CircleOuter Critics Circle

Winner! 2004 New York Drama Critics Award for Best Play Winner! Two 2004 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding Off-Broadway Play Winner! 2004 American Theatre Critics Association Steinberg New Play Award

What readers are saying

Readers are overwhelmingly captivated by the poignant storytelling and rich character development in this play. Many praise Lynn Nottage for her ability to weave complex emotions and historical context into the narrative. The intimate portrayal of the main character, Esther, resonates deeply with audiences, evoking both compassion and reflection. While some note that the play may lack action in performance, the writing itself is widely appreciated for its depth and beauty.

Compelling characters and storyEmotionally resonant and thought-provokingBeautifully written and craftedGreat for book clubsSome found it slow-pacedMild critiques on character depth

Synopsis

In 1905 New York City, Esther, an African-American seamstress, is in great demand for the intimate apparel she creates for clients who range from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes.

Though leading a life that provides joy to so many, she remains lonely, longing for a husband and a future.

Through a mutual acquaintance, she begins a correspondence with a Caribbean man named George, and soon he persuades her that they should marry, sight unseen.

However, Esther’s heart is drawn to the Hasidic shopkeeper from whom she buys cloth, and his heart to hers.

When George arrives in the city, Esther is hit with the reality of the situation and she is forced to face a future that she is truly unprepared for.

Told with grace and delicacy by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, Intimate Apparel presents the troubles of the heart in all their glory.

ThemesAfrican American women--Clothing--Drama African American women--Religion African American women--Religion--Drama African American women--Clothing ML50.T2168 C76 2005 Religious life and customs Women's hats--United States--Drama Women's hats

Press Reviews

"A deeply moving portrait of Esther, a middle-aged African-American woman… Nottage’s play has a delicacy and eloquence."
— New York Daily News

"Thoughtful, affecting… the play offers poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one’s dress – and of course, skin – determined whom one could and could not marry, sleep with, even talk to in public."
— Variety

"Taylor pulls off a Hat Trick: She scores thrice, turning Crowns into an artful amalgamation of oral history, fashion show and musical theater… hats off to Regina Taylor for a considerable achievement."
— TheaterMania

"Wholly theatrical… Ms. Taylor has created a show that seems to arise out of spontaneous combustion, as if a bevy of department-store customers simultaneously decided to stage a revival meeting in the changing room."
— The New York Times

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Mrs. Dickson 50s, African American	—	50s	50s, African American
Mrs. Van Buren 30s, white American	—	30s	30s, white American
Mr. Marks 30s, Romanian Jewish immigrant	—	30s	30s, Romanian Jewish immigrant
Mayme 30s, African American	—	30s	30s, African American
George 30s, Barbadian immigrant	—	30s	30s, Barbadian immigrant
Esther 35, African American	—	—	35, African American