Gunplays: Five Plays on Inner City Violence and Guns

Gunplays is a series of five plays by William Electric Black that address inner city violence and guns. The plays aim to generate understanding of the social forces behind this scourge and were presented by Theater for the New City in New York City. The series includes "Welcome Home Sonny T," "When Black Boys Die," "Death of a Black Man (A Walk By)," "The Faculty Room," and "Subway Story (A Shooting)."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

Gunplays is a captivating series of five plays penned by William Electric Black, delving into the profound issue of inner-city violence and the pervasive presence of guns. The central aim of these theatrical works is to foster a deeper understanding of the societal factors that have contributed to this societal scourge, despite our collective inability to effectively combat it. The inaugural performances of all five plays in the Gunplays series were presented by Theater for the New City in the vibrant city of New York.

In 2013, Black initiated the Gunplays series with "Welcome Home Sonny T," a powerful drama that shed light on two crucial factors driving the 21st-century epidemic of American gun violence: the profound social impact of alienation and unemployment on young black males, as well as the diminishing influence of black ministers as a stabilizing force in affected neighborhoods.

The second play in the series, "When Black Boys Die" (2015), takes a poignant turn into the realm of family drama, as a teenage girl grapples with the unfathomable tragedy of gun violence that has claimed the life of her brother and devastated her mother. Presented by Theater for the New City in observance of Gun Awareness Month in 2016, "Death of a Black Man (A Walk By)" employs a unique blend of hip-hop verse, chanting, songs, and poetry to transport the audience through a neighborhood that has witnessed the devastating consequences of gun violence.

The fourth play, "The Faculty Room" (2017), immerses the audience in a schoolhouse during a mandatory lockdown, as a tense gunfight looms on the horizon. This gripping drama vividly portrays the fear and chaos that ensue in such situations, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to address this pressing issue.

Finally, the fifth and final play in the Gunplays series, "Subway Story (A Shooting)" (2018), stands out as a truly unique theatrical experience. This play seamlessly blends music, poetry, dialogue, movement, and immersive theater, creating a multi-dimensional narrative that immerses the audience in the heart of the action. Through its innovative staging, "Subway Story" offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of gun violence and its impact on individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Gunplays is a powerful and thought-provoking series of plays that explores the devastating consequences of inner-city violence and guns. Through its compelling narratives and innovative theatrical techniques, the series aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue about the social forces that perpetuate this scourge, ultimately working towards a more peaceful and safer society.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493074808