A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Blacktop Sky

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  1w, 5m

Christina Anderson

Set against the backdrop of a restless neighborhood and inspired by the Greek myth Leda and the Swan, Blacktop Sky examines the intersection of love, violence and seduction.

Blacktop Sky

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 5m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptations (Literature)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary
Klass, a homeless, young Black man, sets up residence in the courtyard of the housing project where Ida Peters lives. Triggered by a fatal confrontation between a local street vendor and the police, Klass and Ida quickly develop a precarious bond against the backdrop of a restless neighborhood. Inspired by the Greek myth Leda and the Swan, Blacktop Sky examines the intersection of love, violence and seduction.
History
Blacktop Sky premiered at the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri in January 2013 under the direction of Mykel Hill.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
IDA – 18; Black American female. A realist, but also a romantic. Charming. Tough. Sweet.
KLASS – 25; Black American male. A wanderer. Observant. Quiet. Poetic. Strong.  
WYNN – 27; Black American male. Traditional. He prides himself on being a strong, sensible Black man. Plays tough although he’s rather sensitive.
THICK NECKS – Heard, not seen
  • Time Period Contemporary, New Millennium/21st Century
  • Setting The blacktop courtyard of a housing project. 2008.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“A mirror for issues in our society surrounding homelessness, police violence, relationships and above all, empathy.” – San Diego Voice and Viewpoint

“As compelling and persuasive as it is adroit.” – San Diego Story

“A searing exploration of poverty, homelessness and social disquietude.” – San Diego Gay and Lesbian News

“Christina Anderson’s Blacktop Sky serves as a mirror for issues in our society surrounding homelessness, police violence, relationships and above all, empathy.” – San Diego Voice and Viewpoint

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Scene Study and Classroom Reading: Plays for Colleges and Universities
by Becca Schlossberg
August 23, 2019

Videos

  • Blacktop Sky – Chioma Anyanwu Explains Ida youtube thumbnail

    Blacktop Sky – Chioma Anyanwu Explains Ida

  • The Guys of Blacktop Sky – Unicorn Theatre KC youtube thumbnail

    The Guys of Blacktop Sky – Unicorn Theatre KC

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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Authors

Christina Anderson

Christina Anderson
Christina Anderson is a 2022 Tony Award Nominee for Outstanding Book of the Broadway musical Paradise Square. She is a playwright, TV writer, screenwriter, educator and creative. Her work has been produced by theaters such as the Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Oregon Shakespe ...
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