backstroke boys

by Xavier Clark

backstroke boys is a coming of age story that deals with the intersection of race, religion and sexuality. The play chronicles both the pain and joys of coming to terms with one's various social identities at a young age and how those identities work in tangent with one another to make someone full. On his first day of swim practice at a brand new high school, and country, Quentin befriends Zia, the captain of...

backstroke boys is a coming of age story that deals with the intersection of race, religion and sexuality. The play chronicles both the pain and joys of coming to terms with one's various social identities at a young age and how those identities work in tangent with one another to make someone full. On his first day of swim practice at a brand new high school, and country, Quentin befriends Zia, the captain of the swim team, and through their growing relationship they open up a whole can of worms. How can you hold on to your faith when your faith is showing grace and acceptance towards everything else but your own self?

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backstroke boys

Recommended by

  • Erin Malone Turner: backstroke boys

    This is one of the most profound & meticulously written plays I’ve ever read, especially with only three characters. Clark has created a phenomenal world, mostly taking place in a high school indoor swimming pool, & the push & pull of each character to the others is magnificent. The spotlight on Middle Eastern & African experiences/cultures & the lovely unfolding of the storyline join together beautifully!

    This is one of the most profound & meticulously written plays I’ve ever read, especially with only three characters. Clark has created a phenomenal world, mostly taking place in a high school indoor swimming pool, & the push & pull of each character to the others is magnificent. The spotlight on Middle Eastern & African experiences/cultures & the lovely unfolding of the storyline join together beautifully!

  • Lainie Vansant: backstroke boys

    There's so much heart and specificity in this play. I was really rooting for Quentin and Zia, and I think audiences around the world, but especially in the United States, would love them and learn from them too.

    There's so much heart and specificity in this play. I was really rooting for Quentin and Zia, and I think audiences around the world, but especially in the United States, would love them and learn from them too.

  • Mak Shealy: backstroke boys

    One of my favorite plays to date! The characters are razor sharp and full of complicated humanity. The poetic exploration of identity that Clark has infused into this story is both a sucker punch and a salve. I can't wait to see this play onstage! Highly recommend!

    One of my favorite plays to date! The characters are razor sharp and full of complicated humanity. The poetic exploration of identity that Clark has infused into this story is both a sucker punch and a salve. I can't wait to see this play onstage! Highly recommend!

View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

  • QUENTIN
    half Turkish half West African, new to the school. MUST BE COMFORTABLE WITH SPEAKING TURKISH.
    Character Age
    17
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African / African American / Black; Middle Eastern;
    Character Gender Identity
    a cis Male
  • ZIA
    Syrian-American, swim team captain.
    Character Age
    17
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Middle Eastern
    Character Gender Identity
    a cis Male
  • AYSE
    Turkish, Quentin’s mother and a practicing Muslim

    *the actor playing Ayse must be fluent in Turkish and of Middle Eastern decent.
    Character Age
    38
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Turkish
    Character Gender Identity
    a cis Female

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Playwrights' Arena, Year 2021

Production History

Awards