RACHEL: A PLAY IN THREE ACTS

Leading a cast of well-established, award-winning African American voice talents, Tamika Katon-Donegal gives a voice full of bright sensitivity, intelligence, and hope to Rachel, a young early-twentieth-century Black woman who is coming of age and looking to the future. When Rachel runs headlong into the real-life horrors of American racism, she doubts whether she can follow her dreams. Written by author, teacher, activist Angelina Weld Grimké, the play was first performed in 1916 and is presented here as a staged reading with directions and notes delivered by the narrator (Leon Nixon). No attempt is made to update the "stylized" language of a century ago, which gives the piece a timeless feel. Unfortunately, the theme of racism also gives the play a timeless feel, as well. A wonderful rediscovered gem of African American theater. B.P. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2023]