Go Down, Moses

by Dana Leslie Goldstein

On a liberal college campus in 1985, the students rally for divestment from South Africa. The faculty congratulate themselves on their past as warriors for civil rights. But when a controversial speaker is invited to campus, free speech becomes a battle cry, and those who fought together to end injustice are suddenly on opposing sides. Racially charged incidents occur, and every character is changed as they...

On a liberal college campus in 1985, the students rally for divestment from South Africa. The faculty congratulate themselves on their past as warriors for civil rights. But when a controversial speaker is invited to campus, free speech becomes a battle cry, and those who fought together to end injustice are suddenly on opposing sides. Racially charged incidents occur, and every character is changed as they realize how far there still is to go and are forced to reevaluate their own role in the struggle.

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Go Down, Moses

Recommended by

  • David Winitsky: Go Down, Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein
    “

    This is a riveting play with unexpected turns and central relationships that present a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the connection between Jews and African-Americans, both in the 1980s, when the play is set, and today. The play captures a moment of great transition in the ongoing relationship between two important American communities.

    This is a riveting play with unexpected turns and central relationships that present a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the connection between Jews and African-Americans, both in the 1980s, when the play is set, and today. The play captures a moment of great transition in the ongoing relationship between two important American communities.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Go Down, Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein
    “

    A revealing look at the timeless struggle for humanity and to stand up against injustice. Well done.

    A revealing look at the timeless struggle for humanity and to stand up against injustice. Well done.

    ”
  • Maximillian Gill: Go Down, Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein
    “

    I cannot overstate the relevance of this nuanced and involving examination of political tensions at a college in the 1980s. We see how the political concerns of the professors, the veterans who have seen some of the ugliest sides of humanity, are reflected by students, who are just starting to figure things out. Yet the play is never didactic. We are forced to continually question our positions along with the characters. Some moments are truly heart-breaking. Wonderful work!

    I cannot overstate the relevance of this nuanced and involving examination of political tensions at a college in the 1980s. We see how the political concerns of the professors, the veterans who have seen some of the ugliest sides of humanity, are reflected by students, who are just starting to figure things out. Yet the play is never didactic. We are forced to continually question our positions along with the characters. Some moments are truly heart-breaking. Wonderful work!

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

For 7 actors, please double Isaac Schwarz and the Police Officer.
  • Angela Carter
    ANGELA Carter, 18, is a first year college student, a fledgling firebrand, and an African American New Yorker.
    18
    African American / Black
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Isaac Schwarz
    ISAAC Schwarz, 18, is a first year international student, a white South African Jew, with an Afrikaans accent. (This actor may also play POLICE OFFICER, American accent).
    18
    Any (but probably white)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Katie Linden
    KATIE Linden, 18, is a first year college student, sheltered and suburban, neither African American nor Jewish.
    18
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Terry Mitchell
    TERRY Mitchell, 18, is a first year college student with political aspirations, African American, privileged. He is less confident than he pretends to be.
    18
    African American / Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Jessica Hoffman
    JESSICA Hoffman, 18, Professor Hoffman’s daughter, not a student at the college.
    16
    Any (but probably white)
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Albert Becker
    Albert BECKER, 50’s, is the newly minted Dean of Students, formerly a History professor and civil rights activist.
    50's
    African American / Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Philip Hoffman
    Philip HOFFMAN, 60’s, is a Professor of Ethics, Becker’s old friend, a German Jewish refugee and WWII veteran.
    60's
    Any (but probably white)
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male