The Death of the Last Black Man in the Entire World

See it if Parks' jazz/hip-hop tone poem about the death of an average black man who symbolically morphs into the entire black race. Brilliant staging

Don't see it if Vibrant cast keeps us energized despite chaotic, non-linear structure. Has more of a poetry slam quality rather than narrative. Tough going

See it if you're a Parks fan & want to see an early work that uses cliched images from black history to make profound, unsettling points

Don't see it if You're bothered by chanting and repeated lines, digressive and non-linear storytelling, no real character development, political messages

See it if You enjoy new, non-traditional, unconventional theatre that focuses on a timely issue or subject.

Don't see it if You dislike theatre that leverages poetic language and imagery as opposed to plot, or that is considered a "meditation" on a subject.

See it if you are interested in one of Suzan-Lori Parks' early plays, brought up to date with some striking imagery. Stunning staging!

Don't see it if you need a solid beginning, middle, and end. Imagery is what is important here.

See it if You like plays that make you think, and afterwards you discuss them with friends to figure them out;about the rise of Afro-American heritage

Don't see it if You are easily confused and do not like dialogue that seems nonsensical;expect a conventional storyline

Also This is a masterful play with a large cast of amazing actors who portray characters through Afro-American culture beginning in 1317 to the present day.
It stresses the importance that no matter how hard your circumstances may be, hang on to you roots, and tell your own story. This way your individuality and customs are preserved for the future.... Read more Read less

See it if you like great ensemble acting and interesting staging; satire; dark humor; symbolic representations of the history of racism.

Don't see it if you want a linear, concrete story that always makes sense; getting the gist of the play is not enough for you.

See it if You enjoy experimental/eclectic theater. An interesting story told through cliches. A very visual story.

Don't see it if You are easily confused or need a linear story. This is not a linear story but a story told through visuals and repetition.

See it if A new vehicle for a dramatic play. This is a beautifully written play with an historical perspective of the African- American .

Don't see it if Do not attend if you are interested only in light musicals

See it if you like non-traditional plays with very talented actors; Daniel Watts & Roslyn Ruff especially good

Don't see it if you would be frustrated trying to understand it or frustrated by repetitive, poetic, abstract dialogue

Also I agree with those who say that its better (less frustrating) not to try to understand it and just go with it. On the other hand, the noose scene was understandable and very moving.... Read more Read less

See it if You admire the works of SUZAN-LORI PARKS. You like historical drama with and emotional edge. You appreciate great acting and imagery.

Don't see it if You are looking for a fluffy night out. You are uninterested in racial relations in our country. You are unprepared to sit with confusion.

See it if You are a fan of Suzan-Lori Parks' works. This was a unique and absorbing experience,with excellent staging and great performances.

Don't see it if You prefer more mainstream,straight-forward plays.I did find it to be confusing at times. It seemed longer than the 70 minute running time.

See it if You are a Parks fan. Are captivated by language and symbolism. Are a student of African-American history.

Don't see it if Struggle with non-linearity, symbolism, or allusion. Challenging and difficult imagery of torture and death are problematic for you.

See it if You want to see an early Suzan-Lori Parks play that is abstract,dreamlike and non-linear exploring black oppression over time

Don't see it if You hate non-linear plays that don't follow a narrative arc and feels like a dream. Very repetitive speech patterns that is hard to follow

See it if Suzan-Lori Parks is always worth seeing but not this time. But if you want to give her a chance, and you have 75 minutes of patience, go.

Don't see it if You want coherent, meaningful, eloquent, writing. I can't even tell if the cast was good or not since the writing was gobbledegook. Sad.

See it if you like unusual, offbeat theatre with a very strong message.

Don't see it if you want something light or fun or linear.

See it if You enjoy reflections on race & society and you are comfortable with loosely structured narrative - this is more poetry in motion then plot

Don't see it if You are expecting Father Comes Home From the War type narrative - this is an earlier work and much more abstract

See it if You want to be entranced by a strong ensemble of actors creating an unending syncopation through word & movement. Beautiful poetry.

Don't see it if You are not listening to each word, being drawn into each step / each gesture. The beauty is in the language of the play. Intense & solid.

See it if You like non-linear performances; you are interested in a non-traditional poetic performance with intriguing choreography

Don't see it if Don't see it if you're not interested in hearing an African-American writer stretch language and theatricality.

See it if you'd like to discuss ideas about race and Black stereotypes.

Don't see it if you'd like a plot-driven drama. This has ideas but little plot.

See it if It's a pageant for and about the death of the last black man. Themes of death and racism emanate but I just didn't get it.

Don't see it if you don't like non-narrative plays

See it if you enjoy non-linear stream of consciousness storytelling

Don't see it if you require a narrative structure and don't like experimental work.

Also I've attempted to read this script on numerous occasions and always found myself putting it down because I thought "I hate reading this, but I think I would love it if I got to watch it." This was true. Parks' lyrical dialogue, the overlap of time and place, and the repetitive pile of imagery and sound all coalesce at the end to create a stirring, albeit confusing piece of theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if you're open to experimental and challenging material, poetic and non-linear language, absurdist structure, and opaque meaning.

Don't see it if you like shows with three-dimensional characters, narrative plot, linear structure, and clearcut messages.

See it if you'd like to see something that feels more like slam poetry interpretive dance than a play. Theater equivalent to avant-guard jazz

Don't see it if you want to be able to understand a reason for everything that is happening in front of you. This is very abstract & purposefully confusing

See it if you are open to a non-linear difficult-to-comprehend immersive experience that is, dare I say, transformative.

Don't see it if you're looking to merely be entertained or want to understand concretely what just happened to you immediately without giving yourself time.

Also It's like a living poem (and I'm not crazy about poetry) but go with no expectations and don't worry about understanding it. I suspect you may be--as I feel I am--changed on an emotional molecular level that you may never understand but will still be the better for.... Read more Read less

See it if You love more artistic and elliptical plays that are less about story and plot and more about experience and experimentation.

Don't see it if You prefer a narrative linear and discernible plot. You don't like experimental theater.