DIASPORA! by Phaedra Michelle Scott

Sunny, an idealistic black millennial, is writing a history about the legacy of her family. Her younger sister, Janae wants to reject everything about her ancestry in favor of a created one. Sunny discovers the mystery of her grandparents and decides to confront her past head on in order to put the spirits in her life to rest.
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DIASPORA!

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  • Elizabeth A. M. Keel:
    3 Jun. 2022
    “ DIASPORA! straddles time, realities, and vast canyons of meaning. In 1952, a black woman and a white man dare to love each other and argue civil cases against Boston's overly brutal police force. In modern day, Sunny is attempting to unravel her mysterious history after the death of her sister, and the near-indoctrination of her niece Janae into a separatist cult. Sunny's roommate, Patrick, is a white man in love with a Korean scientist, John, and they are simultaneously debating whether their relationship can succeed. Rich, delicious, magical, *radiant*, DIASPORA! is a layered treat guaranteed to evoke meaningful conversation. ”
  • Premiere Stages:
    7 Apr. 2022
    “ Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize DIASPORA! by Phaedra Michelle Scott as a Semi-Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. DIASPORA! rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 35 semifinalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by how the characters’ questions of identity clearly impact their ideals and approach to activism, as well as the beautiful theatricality of the setting and magical realism. Our congratulations and thanks to Phaedra. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    23 Mar. 2022
    “ A shape shifter of a play that wonderfully combines comedy, drama, and a bit of mystery/a ghost story of sorts (or at least an apartment somewhat haunted or impacted by its past). I loved the exploration of interracial relationships, heritage, family, and how all of those things are impacted by and impact one's identity. All of the characters go on unique and powerful journeys. I also enjoyed its sense of place and that way it tackles historical/present dynamics in Boston. Excited to follow the development trajectory of this one, and I hope to see it read and produced! ”

IN 2017
Sunny, 26 Black. Idealistic and split between places.
Janae, 18 Black. Young. Gifted. Unsure.
Patrick, 25 White. Dreamer. Lover.
John, 30s, Korean American. Stuck. Hopeful. Practical.
Robert, 25, White. Writer. Repairman. Played by Thomas.
IN 1952
Dorothy, 21 Black. Known as Dottie. Young. Gifted.
Thomas, 25 White. Dreamer. Fighter.