Well-Intentioned White People by Imani Vaughn-Jones

FULL-LENGTH PLAY: Upon moving to Atlanta, Nia, a Black aspiring writer, and Topher, a white aspiring actor must find a way to navigate daily violence and the entertainment industry while trying to keep their marriage in-tact. It’s after a racist encounter with an industry professional that their relationship faces the ultimate test, and Nia is forced to choose between her relationship and herself. A play that’s...
FULL-LENGTH PLAY: Upon moving to Atlanta, Nia, a Black aspiring writer, and Topher, a white aspiring actor must find a way to navigate daily violence and the entertainment industry while trying to keep their marriage in-tact. It’s after a racist encounter with an industry professional that their relationship faces the ultimate test, and Nia is forced to choose between her relationship and herself. A play that’s meant to be both read and seen, Well-Intentioned White People explores police brutality, allyship, Blackness, and the inherent violence of whiteness.
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Well-Intentioned White People

Recommended by

  • George Sapio:
    9 Apr. 2022
    “ One of the most powerful, honest plays I've ever read. This should be produced everywhere. ”
  • Paul Donnelly:
    24 Feb. 2022
    “ A play of undeniable power and unsettling resonance. To my great shame, I could recognize myself in the micro-aggressions perpetrated against Nia. The gap between intention and effect is viscerally illustrated. Topher's harrowing failure is an indictment of white complacency and self-serving conduct. The play builds from wry comedy to soul-searing drama with great skill and subtlety. This is a vital play of and for our times. It is time to see it produced widely. ”
  • David Hansen:
    1 Apr. 2021
    “ Vaughn-Jones's play is a map of microaggressions, as the protagonist Nia navigates social interaction with her white husband’s parents, members of her otherwise all-white writer’s group, and finally her own husband’s inability to stand up against racist comments when he feels doing so would compromise his career. The tension builds and once she breaks and expresses her feelings is forced to cope with white defensiveness and their (our) inability to take responsibility for their (our) actions. It's an intense, well-plotted and highly relevant work and presents a strong argument. I would love to see this performed! ”
View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

The play contains 18 characters split across four actors. Only in special circumstances with playwright approval should the cast exceed four actors.

  • Nia
    mid 20s - early 30s,
    Black
    ,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Player One
    mid 20s - early 30s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Player One plays three different characters: Topher, Tyson, and White Man. Three white men.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Player Two
    adult,
    Black
    ,
    Female
    Player Two plays seven different characters: Felicity, Annalee, Ariyah, Rebecca, Black Woman, Giselle, and The Organizer. Three white women and four Black women.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Player Three
    adult,
    Black
    ,
    Male
    Player Three plays seven different characters: Jeff, Charlie, Alix, Darnell, Black Man, Quentin, and The Protestor. Three white men and four Black men
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Cultivators
    ,
    2020