Suzan-Lori Parks: Exploring Her Five Most Popular Plays

Suzan-Lori Parks is one of the most innovative and celebrated voices in contemporary American theatre. Known for her bold storytelling, lyrical dialogue, and inventive structure, Parks has redefined the landscape of modern drama. As the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, her plays often explore themes of identity, history, and resilience. Let’s take a closer look at five of her most iconic works, with short synopses for each.

1. Topdog/Underdog (2001)

This Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, identity, and the lingering effects of systemic racism. With only two characters, Parks crafts an intense and emotionally charged story that resonates deeply.

Synopsis:
Brothers Lincoln and Booth, abandoned by their parents as children, struggle to navigate their fractured relationship and the pressures of survival. Lincoln, a former hustler, now works as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, while Booth dreams of mastering the street con game, three-card monte. Their rivalry and shared trauma culminate in a shocking and tragic climax.

2. In the Blood (1999)

A modern reimagining of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, this dark and poignant play examines poverty, motherhood, and society’s harsh judgment of women. Parks’ raw and poetic writing brings a contemporary edge to these timeless themes.

Synopsis:
Hester, a homeless mother of five, struggles to provide for her children while enduring relentless judgment and exploitation from those around her. As she seeks help from figures in her life, her desperation grows, leading to a devastating and heartbreaking conclusion.

3. Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) (2014)

This epic trilogy, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, blends Greek tragedy with American history to examine themes of freedom, loyalty, and the legacy of slavery. Parks weaves humour, pathos, and poetry into a sweeping narrative.

Synopsis:
Set during the American Civil War, the play follows Hero, an enslaved man, as he is forced to accompany his master to fight for the Confederacy. Over the three parts, Hero grapples with his choices, identity, and the meaning of freedom in a country divided by war.

4. The Red Letter Plays: Fucking A (2000)

The companion piece to In the Blood, this play is a dystopian take on The Scarlet Letter that mixes brutality, humour, and Parks’ signature lyricism. It’s a scathing critique of societal hypocrisy and the commodification of women’s bodies.

Synopsis:
Hester, a midwife branded with the letter “A” for abortionist, dreams of reuniting with her imprisoned son. As she navigates a corrupt and oppressive society, her determination leads her to confront the harsh realities of justice, sacrifice, and revenge.

5. The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World (1990)

This experimental and poetic play is a kaleidoscopic exploration of African-American history, culture, and identity. Parks uses non-linear structure, symbolism, and rich imagery to craft a powerful meditation on race and memory.

Synopsis:
Through a series of fragmented scenes, the play follows Black Man With Watermelon and Black Woman With Fried Drumstick as they journey through a surreal landscape of history and mythology. The work challenges conventional narratives and celebrates the resilience and creativity of Black culture.

The Legacy of Suzan-Lori Parks

Suzan-Lori Parks’ plays push the boundaries of form and content, offering audiences an unparalleled theatrical experience. Whether through the familial tensions of Topdog/Underdog or the epic scope of Father Comes Home from the Wars, Parks’ works illuminate the complexities of identity, history, and human connection.

Which Suzan-Lori Parks play speaks to you the most? Her groundbreaking contributions to theatre ensure her place as one of the most influential and inspiring voices in contemporary drama. Dive into her plays and experience the magic of her storytelling!