Go Down, Moses by Dana Leslie Goldstein

On a liberal college campus in 1985, the students rally for divestment from South Africa. The faculty congratulate themselves on their past as warriors for civil rights. But when a controversial speaker is invited to campus, free speech becomes a battle cry, and those who fought together to end injustice are suddenly on opposing sides. Racially charged incidents occur, and every character is changed as they...
On a liberal college campus in 1985, the students rally for divestment from South Africa. The faculty congratulate themselves on their past as warriors for civil rights. But when a controversial speaker is invited to campus, free speech becomes a battle cry, and those who fought together to end injustice are suddenly on opposing sides. Racially charged incidents occur, and every character is changed as they realize how far there still is to go and are forced to reevaluate their own role in the struggle.
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Go Down, Moses

Recommended by

  • David Winitsky:
    13 Oct. 2022
    “ This is a riveting play with unexpected turns and central relationships that present a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the connection between Jews and African-Americans, both in the 1980s, when the play is set, and today. The play captures a moment of great transition in the ongoing relationship between two important American communities. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    15 Sep. 2021
    “ A revealing look at the timeless struggle for humanity and to stand up against injustice. Well done. ”
  • Maximillian Gill:
    30 Jan. 2020
    “ I cannot overstate the relevance of this nuanced and involving examination of political tensions at a college in the 1980s. We see how the political concerns of the professors, the veterans who have seen some of the ugliest sides of humanity, are reflected by students, who are just starting to figure things out. Yet the play is never didactic. We are forced to continually question our positions along with the characters. Some moments are truly heart-breaking. Wonderful work! ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

For 7 actors, please double Isaac Schwarz and the Police Officer.

  • Albert Becker
    50's,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    Albert BECKER, 50’s, is the newly minted Dean of Students, formerly a History professor and civil rights activist.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Philip Hoffman
    60's,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Male
    Philip HOFFMAN, 60’s, is a Professor of Ethics, Becker’s old friend, a German Jewish refugee and WWII veteran.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Angela Carter
    18,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Female
    ANGELA Carter, 18, is a first year college student, a fledgling firebrand, and an African American New Yorker.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Isaac Schwarz
    18,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Male
    ISAAC Schwarz, 18, is a first year international student, a white South African Jew, with an Afrikaans accent. (This actor may also play POLICE OFFICER, American accent).
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Katie Linden
    18,
    White
    ,
    Female
    KATIE Linden, 18, is a first year college student, sheltered and suburban, neither African American nor Jewish.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Terry Mitchell
    18,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    TERRY Mitchell, 18, is a first year college student with political aspirations, African American, privileged. He is less confident than he pretends to be.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Jessica Hoffman
    18,
    Any (but probably white)
    ,
    Female
    JESSICA Hoffman, 18, Professor Hoffman’s daughter, first year student, trying to heal after the loss of her mother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female