The Dust of the World

by Rhys Washington

Peter Davis, has everything a beautiful picture-perfect family: two kids and a
wife, a high-paying job with a promotion on the way, and a lovely home. On
the surface, he’s perfect. Ty Reeves has none of that. His mom just died, he has
no home and he’s still a kid now on his own. Expect that he has a father he
never knew existed, Peter… Now tasked with raising a kid he doesn’t know,
the Davis family must come...

Peter Davis, has everything a beautiful picture-perfect family: two kids and a
wife, a high-paying job with a promotion on the way, and a lovely home. On
the surface, he’s perfect. Ty Reeves has none of that. His mom just died, he has
no home and he’s still a kid now on his own. Expect that he has a father he
never knew existed, Peter… Now tasked with raising a kid he doesn’t know,
the Davis family must come face to face with their prejudices and the cracks in
their foundation.

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The Dust of the World

Character Information

It's imperative when casting this piece for Ty to be played by someone Black, with not many white features. There are many lines that reference how Ty doesn't look "mixed/ or half white".
  • Ellen Davis
    Peter’s wife, unhappy, barely talks to her husband. Tired of rolling with the punches.
    40s
    White Woman
    a cis Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Griffin Davis
    A conservative with radical views and prone to over-dramatic outbursts and violence when upset. Feels invisible in his own home.
    16
    White
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Marnie Davis
    Diametrically opposed to her twin brother but painfully ignorant to life’s truths for those who aren’t like her.
    16
    White
    a cis Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Duncan Davis
    Peter’s older brother, a cop, incredibly bigoted. Duncan and Peter are close but things. He’s the one who arrested Ty after the protest.
    40s
    White
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Gramma
    Pete’s mother. Not a racist, in fact she’s very excited to have another grandbaby. She lets Ty call her Gram Cracker to everyone else’s Gramma.
    70s
    White
    a cis Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Raven
    Ty's girlfriend and comes from a wealthy family in the Hamptons.
    18
    African / African American / Black
    a cis Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Ty Lowe
    Witty and smart. Ty is finding his way through the dynamics of white families. Ready to bounce at a moment's notice.
    17
    Black
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Peter Davis
    a lawyer who is sick of arguing, his family is on the verge of collapse and he’s the father of a black sixteen-year-old.
    40s
    White
    a cis Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, HB Studio, Directors New Play Lab, 2023

Production History

  • Professional, H.B. Studio Directors Lab, 2023