This Bitter Earth

by Harrison David Rivers

A protest brought them together. But now, as his white lover, a Black Lives Matter activist, immerses himself in the struggle, Jesse, a black man, must confront his own political apathy or risk his rights and their love. This gripping and intimate new play asks what is the real cost of standing on the sidelines?

A protest brought them together. But now, as his white lover, a Black Lives Matter activist, immerses himself in the struggle, Jesse, a black man, must confront his own political apathy or risk his rights and their love. This gripping and intimate new play asks what is the real cost of standing on the sidelines?

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This Bitter Earth

Recommended by

  • Anna Tatelman: This Bitter Earth

    I saw this at the Seattle Public Theatre last month and consider it to be one of the best plays I've seen this theatre season. The script brings up a host of complex political topics (passive activism and intersectionality, to name just a couple) through the lens of one very specific couple's individual identities and personal relationship. This wonderfully challenges the audience to consider these issues in relation to their own lives, without ever beating said audience over the head.

    I saw this at the Seattle Public Theatre last month and consider it to be one of the best plays I've seen this theatre season. The script brings up a host of complex political topics (passive activism and intersectionality, to name just a couple) through the lens of one very specific couple's individual identities and personal relationship. This wonderfully challenges the audience to consider these issues in relation to their own lives, without ever beating said audience over the head.

  • Ken Love: This Bitter Earth

    No, I have not yet seen a production of this play. Yet I was fortunate in being blessed with the sound mind to read & enjoy it. The play speaks to our time with a clear and defining voice. Sweet, gently melodramatic and ultimately tragic, with 2 vivid and dimensioned characters who seem effortlessly realized. Mr. Harrison David Rivers clearly has a distinctive voice. I look forward to reading/seeing more of his work.

    No, I have not yet seen a production of this play. Yet I was fortunate in being blessed with the sound mind to read & enjoy it. The play speaks to our time with a clear and defining voice. Sweet, gently melodramatic and ultimately tragic, with 2 vivid and dimensioned characters who seem effortlessly realized. Mr. Harrison David Rivers clearly has a distinctive voice. I look forward to reading/seeing more of his work.

  • Shaun Leisher: This Bitter Earth

    Was lucky enough to see the production in Philly (produced by Interact Theatre) and I was in awe. Such a well-written 2-hander that plays with time very effectively. Hope this gets more productions because the conversations being had here need to be had all over this nation.

    Was lucky enough to see the production in Philly (produced by Interact Theatre) and I was in awe. Such a well-written 2-hander that plays with time very effectively. Hope this gets more productions because the conversations being had here need to be had all over this nation.

View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

  • Jesse Howard
    Serious and passionate.
    He wields his wit like a weapon.
    A playwright.
    Character Age
    20-30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African / African American / Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Neil Finley-Darden
    Compassionate and privileged.
    He means well.
    An enthusiast.
    Character Age
    20-30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Roundabout Theatre Company, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization The Playwrights' Center, Year 2016
  • Type Commission, Organization New Conservatory Theatre Center, Year 2015

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization InterAct Theatre Company, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization TheaterWorks Hartford, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization Richmond Triangle Players, Year 2021
  • Type Professional, Organization The Road Theatre, Year 2021
  • Type Professional, Organization Theater Alliance, Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization About Face, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization Penumbra Theatre, Year 2018
  • Type Professional, Organization New Conservatory Theatre Center, Year 2017