THE STORY: A group of well-to-do black women are playing bridge, while discussing their coveted accomplishments in the world of white society, and expressing their contempt for the unruly ghetto blacks who make life so difficult for them. A civil disturbance is expected, and the ladies are relieved that the National Guard has been called in—until one of their number, innocently breaking the curfew, is abused and raped by the Guardsmen. Their nervous rationalization of the tragedy is a telling comment on the ladies, but even more terrible is the realization of what it implies about their achievements and social pretensions in a milieu where the ugliness of racial violence and bigotry can erupt, and exert its evil force, at any level.
Presented by the renowned Negro Ensemble Company as part of its “Themes of Black Struggle” series, this imaginatively conceived work ranges from comedy to gripping drama in conveying its devastating assessment of the black bourgeoisie.
“…A witty, sad, and powerful play that may well remain alive long after the immediate issues it raises have been settled” —The New Yorker.
“This is a powerful one-acter” —Variety.
“It is a significant and skillful piece of writing with a sad and haunting beauty.” —The Record.
