Rabbit Summer by Tracey Conyer Lee

Wilson and Ruby have the picture perfect marriage (if you're used to seeing positive Black images of family, that is) while Ruby's best friend Claire has just become a statistic, losing her unarmed Black husband to the quick trigger of a white cop. Spiting his Pop's example of manhood, Wilson idealizes his marriage and ignores the controversy of his job as a police officer in the shadow of the...
Wilson and Ruby have the picture perfect marriage (if you're used to seeing positive Black images of family, that is) while Ruby's best friend Claire has just become a statistic, losing her unarmed Black husband to the quick trigger of a white cop. Spiting his Pop's example of manhood, Wilson idealizes his marriage and ignores the controversy of his job as a police officer in the shadow of the BlackLivesMatter movement, smiling through pain Ruby wishes he would share. Tired of feeling helpless and trapped in her Huxtable-like existence, Ruby has been hatching a secret plan to fix the American gun problem while pushing her husband to break out of his plastic shell.
How can you “live your truth” in an America built on lies?
Claire's refuge at the Faison's home unearths long held and brand new secrets and stirs a pot of reality Wilson has never tasted. Can he see life through Ruby's truth and still be the husband and father his mother and he never had?
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Rabbit Summer

Recommended by

  • Derek Lee McPhatter:
    24 Aug. 2019
    “ This is a well crafted, funny, character-driven exploration of some of our most pressing social issues: police brutality, gun violence, racial tumult, manhood and ways of loving. A very pointed and well-crafted narrative from Tracey Conyer Lee that deftly moves through tough subject matter without seeming preachy or heavy-handed. It packs quite a few punches, and the humor catches you by surprise. Can't wait to see this on stage. ”
  • Eva Stapleton:
    3 Mar. 2018
    “ Conyer Lee puts her forward-thinking view of life, her acute observation of human nature and truthful humor into each script and Rabbit Summer is no exception. This play has cultural relevancy, clarity, shrewd levity and symbolism that stirs the imagination. Conyer Lee gives a fresh view to controversial subject matter that has the capacity to change hearts and minds.

    ”
  • Hilary Bluestein-Lyons:
    9 Feb. 2018
    “ Although Rabbit Summer is a personal story about the clash between blacks and the police, it is so much more than that. It is a brilliant story about family, marriage, deceit, friendship and that standing up for what's right comes with consequences. But most importantly, as Conyer Lee masterfully unfolds hidden agendas (both literally and figuratively), more is revealed about the deep-rooted need to search for identity. Conyer Lee does not tip toe around the hard questions, even when her characters do. I learned much through this play, and feel privileged to have been on its journey. ”
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Character Information

2 Black females 30s-40s
1 Black male 30s-40s

  • Ruby Fasion
    30s-40s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    ANY (technically female)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Wilson Faison
    30s-40s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Claire Cooper
    30s-40s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    JAGfest
    ,
    2019
  • Workshop
    ,
    Women's Voices Festival / Ally Theatre Company
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    Page To Stage Festival (Kennedy Center)
    ,
    2017

Production History

Awards