The Red Letter Plays: In the Blood

See it if Class structure of modern society as experienced by a rebellious welfare mother. Hypocrisy abounds. Deep writing, great set.

Don't see it if You don't want to explore the ugliness of human nature. Includes seamy explicit sexual dialog.

Also This is a brilliant play with a lot to say. In addition to the powerful characters and themes, there is a lot of symbolism.... Read more Read less

See it if Parks' Brechtian fable of welfare mother/outcast in society as trenchant as ever Strong ensemble w/Benson's fierce staging illuminates tale

Don't see it if Unrelenting misery/injustice hard to take but that's the point Adult actors as children/infants bit rocky Monologues somewhat heavyhanded

See it if you are ready for disturbing,dark, ugly, and sad views re: our society. Saycon Sengbloh is superb as Hester.Set is fascinating.

Don't see it if if you are expecting a feel good story. We have a pref. for Parks' Fucking A. I have a problem with the older adults playing the young kids

See it if you want to see a well-acted and well-directed incisive (if bleak) take on the value our society places on women and motherhood.

Don't see it if you're looking for a light fluffy night of theater.

See it if convincingly shows hypocrisy in Scarlet Letter applies 2 "helping" classes/doctor, welfare worker, preacher that exploit poor black mothers

Don't see it if Brechtian production lacks subtlety: mother heroic, helping class evil; F***ing A much more nuanced & imaginative

See it if you like serious dramas performed by high-caliber actors. Saycon Sengbloh is phenomenal and the beautifully written play is Pulitzer worthy.

Don't see it if you prefer "safe" works or are turned off by stories of people in low places, struggling for survival.

See it if You're interested in topical plays that, though written years ago, are still very relevant today.

Don't see it if Topics like homelessness & promiscuity are too rough for you to handle, no matter the larger message.

See it if you are a Parks enthusiast and you must see the two Red Letter Plays.

Don't see it if you like your dramas fast moving and interesting.

See it if you're looking for a socially relevant dramatic play. More serious tone than Fucking A, great acting/direction and interesting staging.

Don't see it if you're not in the mood for something bleak. It is a depressing look at a welfare mom. Adult actors playing kids can be off-putting at first

See it if you like complex theater that does not assign quick blame to those who do foolish things. This is an intelligent look at poverty.

Don't see it if you expect an upbeat, easy show.

See it if very moving & disturbing story of an unmarried mother of 5 living in poverty & exploited even by those whose job is to help

Don't see it if you don't want actors playing dual roles - adults & children; very disturbing end

Also Saycon Sengbloh as the mother was excellent.
At least one of the stories of people exploiting her was probably over the top but it helped to hit home that she would never get over the top of that wall (the curved set was creative)... Read more Read less

See it if A complex drama about issues of those who fall through the cracks of society. Excellent writing and acting. Left me breathless.

Don't see it if If you prefer musicals and light dramas.

See it if curious how Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter (1850) sparks a contemporary story for today; interested in welfare, women, and wounds.

Don't see it if fine acting and an unusual set design, dovetailed with flawed writing that soars as much as it sinks, proves too incongruous or frustrating.

Also I've had my eye on The Red Letter Plays for some time: perhaps it was my anticipation that makes me feel let down a bit by In the Blood (I also plan on seeing Fucking A). A literature teacher, I was curious to see an updated/inspired version of The Scarlet Letter (I knew well that this would not bear much resemblance to the novel. I simply wondered how a Romantic work 167 years old could inspire a new rendition or new drama). The acting, led by Saycon Sengbloh (Hester/La Negrita) is compelling, and even the small cast of adults playing children and other parts isn't so distracting as you may think. The chorus bookending the play suggests this is a new Greek Tragedy in essence...but I found pacing off at times, with the "confessions" starting too late and then feeling too proselytizing in terms of trying to get us to see others' perspectives. Still, it's thoughtful commentary about how we use others--and drive them to desperate measures for which we wipe our hands clean. Brutal ending.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a masterful depiction of life in the lower depths of modern society. Some vivid connections to The Scarlet Letter.

Don't see it if you have a problem with viewing negative plotlines and characters.

Also Wow! Can Suzan-Lori Parks write!.. Some of the language is so poetic -- earthy, but poetic.... Read more Read less

See it if avante guarde theater is your thing.

Don't see it if you are expecting to see a play by the second coming of playwright Lorraine Hansberry.

Also Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, references the Nathaniel Hawthorne 1850 novel The Scarlet Letter for this new play of hers. This story takes place “now” located in a gritty what feels like a 1980’s Times Square backdrop. Actress Saycon Sengbloh takes on the role of Hester, La Negrita. In this play, there is practically nothing familiar about these two artistic creations except for the characters names Hester and the Reverend. Ms. Parks has created an entire different story with implications much farther reaching that those explored in the 1850 novel. The themes contained inside hr play run the gambit from racism, poverty, women’s rights, morality, family, community, friendship, and sexuality. Each of these themes alone is gigantic in scope and their intersection on stage is what ultimately dooms this play from ever rising above all the weight of these issues.... Read more Read less

See it if Companion to FuckingA and a riff on The Scarlet Letter exploring power in class,sex,gender and race ; poetic and dark with great ensemble

Don't see it if You don’t like epic tragedy exploration of dark themes and hopelessness as embodied in the staging, set and script

See it if you're interested in plays about social issues and like innovative stagings that manage to avoid gimmickry

Don't see it if you don't want to be presented with tough issues without being given a tidy resolution

See it if you find it easy to accept the idea that a deprived, illiterate mother of five children out of wedlock is in no way responsible for her life

Don't see it if you don't mind being blamed for the suffering of someone you don't know, without being presented with any coherent ways to prevent this.

See it if you like somber political statements about women in poverty.

Don't see it if you want subtlety.

See it if you like works that address real-life problems of the underprivileged and want to see an excellent treatment of the subject.

Don't see it if you're not in the mood for a serious play.

See it if you enjoy Parks' canon of social justice and political theater

Don't see it if you prefer not to be confronted with real life issue on stage

See it if you care about the world you live in and the people around you. This play will shatter your thinking of the less fortunate.

Don't see it if you object to strong language or live in an ideal world because this one is anything but. Be warned, it runs almost 2 hours without a break.

See it if You are a Parks fan and want to see a take on Scarlett Letter featuring an illiterate mother of 5.

Don't see it if you expect a fast moving show. this requires some patience.

Also while I admire this playwright, after seeing her two red letter plays, I am not quite sure what she is trying to tell us. There are some good points made about women's role in society and the injustices they are forced to confront....but not sure if they are given enough focus and 'point of view'. always left a bit in the dark.... Read more Read less

See it if outstanding performances from a seasoned cast. interesting staging- interesting concept to riff on the scarlet A- not usual wordsmith Parks

Don't see it if if you cannot sit for 2 hours without an intermission. if Suzan Lori Parks is not your taste

See it if You are looking for dramas that explore the place of the poor and homeless in our world.

Don't see it if You are looking for light or fluffy.