---
Overview of the Play
The America Play is a non-traditional theatrical piece that intertwines historical commentary with mythic storytelling. It centers around the figure of the "Greatest American," a man who emulates Abraham Lincoln by creating a replica of the Lincoln Memorial in a remote, makeshift setting. The narrative employs a mix of realism, symbolism, and performance art to explore the African American experience, particularly the legacies of slavery and racial injustice.
The play's structure is nonlinear, with scenes that oscillate between the past and present, reality and myth. Parks employs recurring motifs, such as the "Black Rider" (the actor playing the "Greatest American") and the "Ticket Seller," who guides the audience through the layered narrative. The play invites viewers into a reflective space where history is not simply recited but interrogated and reimagined.
---
Plot Synopsis
The Central Figure: The Black Rider
At the heart of The America Play is the character of the Black Rider, a performer who takes on the persona of the "Greatest American," a character inspired by Abraham Lincoln, known for his role in ending slavery and preserving the Union. The Black Rider runs a "re-creation" of the Lincoln Memorial in a remote area, offering visitors a chance to see a replica of Lincoln and to engage with American history in a performative manner.
The Black Rider's act involves not only impersonating Lincoln but also reenacting the assassination of Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth, which he performs repeatedly. This act symbolizes the ongoing trauma of racial violence and the cyclical nature of historical pain.
The Ticket Seller and the Audience
The Ticket Seller functions as a narrator and guide, introducing scenes and providing commentary. This character also embodies the voice of history, storytelling, and the audience’s curiosity. The Ticket Seller's interactions with the Black Rider and other characters create a layered commentary on how history is sold, commodified, and consumed.
Throughout the play, the Ticket Seller and the Black Rider engage in dialogues that question the authenticity of history and the ways in which stories are shaped to serve particular narratives.
The "Little America" and the Myth of the American Dream
A recurring motif in the play is the concept of "Little America," which symbolizes the idealized, mythic version of America that is often celebrated in national narratives. The Black Rider's replica of the Lincoln Memorial can be seen as a physical manifestation of this myth.
As the play unfolds, characters confront the disparity between the myth of America and the brutal realities of racial oppression, slavery, and systemic inequality. Parks uses the "Little America" motif to critique how national stories often gloss over painful truths.
The Narrative of Slavery and Racial Trauma
The play directly addresses the legacy of slavery by illustrating how it continues to influence American identity and consciousness. The Black Rider's performance, which includes reenactments of Lincoln's assassination, serves as a metaphor for the violence inflicted upon Black bodies and the ongoing struggle for freedom and recognition.
The play also introduces characters representing different facets of African American history, including ancestors and descendants, emphasizing the enduring impact of slavery and racial injustice across generations.
---
Thematic Analysis
Memory and History
One of the central themes of The America Play is the complex relationship between memory and history. Parks questions how history is remembered, who gets to tell the story, and how collective memory shapes national identity. The play suggests that history is often a constructed narrative, shaped by those in power, and that marginalized voices are frequently silenced or erased.
The Black Rider's performances serve as a form of reclaiming history, re-enacting moments that have been historically marginalized or misrepresented, especially relating to Black suffering and resilience.
Identity and Representation
The play explores issues of racial identity and how it is constructed within societal and historical contexts. The Black Rider, who impersonates Lincoln, embodies a complex intersection of performance, race, and history. His act raises questions about authenticity, representation, and the ways Black Americans see themselves within the broader national story.
Furthermore, Parks examines how societal narratives influence individual identity, especially among marginalized groups who are often forced to perform or embody roles assigned by history or society.
The Myth of the American Dream
The America Play critiques the myth of the American Dream by illustrating how the promise of freedom, prosperity, and equality has historically excluded Black Americans and other marginalized groups. The play exposes the disparity between the idealized image of America and the realities of racial injustice.
The recurring motif of the "Little America" underscores the disparity between myth and reality, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about American history and identity.
The Cyclical Nature of Violence
Another prominent theme is the cyclical nature of violence, especially racial violence. The Black Rider's reenactments of Lincoln's assassination symbolize the recurring violence inflicted on Black bodies and communities. Parks emphasizes that history often repeats itself unless actively challenged and remembered differently.
---
Characters and Symbolism
The Black Rider
- Represents the performative aspect of history and identity.
- Embodies the legacy of Black Americans and their ongoing struggle.
- Performs reenactments of Lincoln's assassination, symbolizing unresolved trauma.
The Ticket Seller
- Acts as a narrator and facilitator of the play's themes.
- Embodies the voice of history and storytelling.
- Guides the audience through complex layers of meaning.
The "Greatest American"
- A mythic figure inspired by Abraham Lincoln.
- Symbolizes the national myth of progress and unity.
- Represents the idealized version of American history.
Other Characters
- Ancestors and descendants highlighting intergenerational trauma.
- Visitors to the "Little America," representing the audience and society's engagement with history.
Symbolic Elements
- The Lincoln Memorial replica: a physical manifestation of American myth.
- The "Ticket": a metaphor for access to history and memory.
- Reenactments of Lincoln’s assassination: symbols of racial violence and trauma.
- The "Little America": a symbol of the American Dream and its illusions.
---
Structure and Style
The America Play is characterized by its experimental form, blending theatrical genres such as realism, symbolism, and performance art. Parks employs fragmented scenes, monologues, and allegorical storytelling to create a layered narrative that resists straightforward interpretation.
The play's language is poetic and evocative, often employing repetition and rhythm to emphasize themes. Parks also uses humor and irony to critique serious issues, balancing heavy themes with moments of levity.
---
Significance and Impact
The America Play is considered a landmark work in contemporary American theater, notable for its innovative approach to discussing race, history, and identity. Parks' use of myth and performance challenges audiences to think critically about how history is constructed and remembered.
The play has been widely studied and performed, inspiring discussions on racial justice, historical memory, and the role of performance in social critique. Its influence extends beyond theater, contributing to broader conversations about racial representation and historical accountability.
---
Conclusion
The America Play by Suzan-Lori Parks is a compelling theatrical exploration of America's racial history, myth-making, and collective memory. Through its inventive structure and powerful symbolism, the play invites viewers to question the narratives that shape national identity and to reflect on the ongoing legacies of slavery and racial injustice. Its layered storytelling not only offers a critique of America's mythic self-image but also provides a space for dialogue, remembrance, and resistance. As a groundbreaking work, it continues to resonate with audiences and scholars, reminding us of the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths in the pursuit of understanding and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main plot of 'The America Play'?
'The America Play' by Suzan-Lori Parks revolves around a man who reenacts President Abraham Lincoln's assassination at a roadside attraction, exploring themes of history, memory, and identity.
Who are the central characters in 'The America Play'?
The central characters include the Countryman, who impersonates Lincoln; the Boy, who aspires to follow in his footsteps; and the Female, who interacts with the Countryman and symbolizes memory and history.
What are the main themes addressed in 'The America Play'?
The play explores themes of racial identity, history and memory, performance and reenactment, and the American myth of heroism and sacrifice.
How does 'The America Play' address the concept of history and storytelling?
The play uses reenactment and performance to examine how history is shaped, remembered, and mythologized, highlighting the ways stories are constructed to serve collective identities.
What is the significance of the 'Echo' in 'The America Play'?
The 'Echo' symbolizes the lingering effects of history and memory, representing how the past continues to resonate and influence present identities and narratives.
How does 'The America Play' incorporate elements of performance and theater?
The play features characters who perform reenactments and impersonations, blurring the lines between reality and performance to comment on the performative aspects of identity and history.
What is the role of the 'Museum' setting in 'The America Play'?
The Museum serves as a space of memory and history, where reenactments take place, emphasizing how history is curated, preserved, and sometimes commodified.
Why is 'The America Play' considered a significant work in contemporary American theater?
It is regarded for its innovative exploration of race, history, and identity through poetic language and theatrical experimentation, challenging audiences to rethink American myths and narratives.
