Covenant
by York Walker

Name: Covenant
Brand: York Walker
SKU: 9780573711213
Rating: 4.32 (22 reviews)

Off-Broadway

Highlights

Female

Male

90 mins 1930s Role(s) for Black Actor(s) Unit Set/Multiple Settings Period Costumes

Synopsis

Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius.

Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth.

Press Reviews

"Undeniably spooky. Absolutely enjoyable. You'll be frightened in the best way possible."
— Theatermania

"Briskly entertaining food for thought about the demons that haunt us all."
— The New York Sun

"★★★★ “Devilish... In Walker’s eyes, possession and exorcism aren't so much main events as they are context: for how the Jim Crow era amplifies the tension between religious practices and the hope of the modern world; how Black families’ relationship with religion can sow deep, generational pain, prioritizing salvation over love; how abuse haunts the characters’ lives; and how easily one can conflate love and possession."
— New York Theatre Guide

"A striking new Southern gothic work… Covenant is an auspicious New York debut for a playwright who clearly has a gift for richly textured work."
— The New York Times

"Blackout-and-blood-curdling-scream deliciousness."
— New York Magazine

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Violet Black woman, 19, Ruthie’s best friend, black sheep of the family, loves her older sister Avery fiercely.	female	—	Black woman, 19, Ruthie’s best friend, black sheep of the family, loves her older sister Avery fiercely.
Avery Black woman, 24, dreams of seeing the world outside of this town, a woman coming into her own and terrified.	female	—	Black woman, 24, dreams of seeing the world outside of this town, a woman coming into her own and terrified.
Mama Black woman, early 40s, Violet and Avery’s mother, full of regret, the only thing holding her world together is her love for Avery and her belief in God.	female	40s	Black woman, early 40s, Violet and Avery’s mother, full of regret, the only thing holding her world together is her love for Avery and her belief in God.
Johnny “Honeycomb” James Black man, 24, guitar player, local celebrity, awkward youth turned ladies man. Has been in love with Avery since he was 12 years old.	male	—	Black man, 24, guitar player, local celebrity, awkward youth turned ladies man. Has been in love with Avery since he was 12 years old.
Ruthie Black woman, 19, the innocent one, obsessed with love or the idea of it.	female	—	Black woman, 19, the innocent one, obsessed with love or the idea of it.