Characters
Who's Nya
Is a mid-30s black woman single mother. Her profession is a public high school teacher. She's trying to raise her teenage son which leads to much difficulty. She’s a good teacher who's inspiring her students in a stressful environment. She’s a struggling parent doing her hardest. She’s strong but is losing herself. She's a Smoker, Sometimes a drinker. She’s barely holding on.
What are some themes shown in the story?
Racism, educational inequality
Whos Omari
Is a black kid in his late teens. He’s Nya’s son. He is very smart. Rage without release. He is caring and very honest. He is sensitive amidst the anger. Struggling with his identity from hopping between private school education and being from a so-called urban community.
What conversations can this play start?
Race, privilege, and challenges that can attack the community.
Who's Jasmine
A Black or Latina girl in her late teens. She’s sensitive and tough, with a sharp bite, with a soft smile. Very aware of herself and her environment. Goes to a private school upstate but from a so-called urban environment. She likes poetry in her own language.
What type of validation does the play talk about
This play not only provides validation but talks about community, identity, and strength
Who's Xavier
Xavier Nya’s ex-husband. Omari’s father, is a single father. Mid-late 30s black man. He’s struggling to find a connection with his son. He’s a marketing executive. He hurt his relationship with his ex-wife. He is financially stable but emotionally impoverished.
What information can viewers get from the play?
This play will help inform others about experiences other communities face and can help change the challenging environment.
Who's Laurie and Dun
Laurie: White woman in her 50s. She’s a pistol of a woman. She’s a high school public school teacher. She can stand her ground against the bad kids and do good in a stressful environment. She doesn’t bite her tongue.
Black man, Public high school security guard. He is in his early mid-30s. He’s fit and is very positive. Charming when it comes to the ladies. He’s genuine and thoughtful and tries to be a gentleman in a stressed environment, It’s not always an easy thing to do.
Why is it important for black students to see this play?
This play holds a powerful message towards colored people with a reflection of people they may have faced and knowing they aren’t the only ones.