Bars and Measures

by Idris Goodwin

Commissioned by B Street Theatre, Bars and Measures is the fascinating tale of two brothers. One a classical pianist. The other a jazz bass player. One a Christian. The other a Muslim. One living in freedom. The other in jail. Separated by bars, the brothers try to reconcile their differences through the language they know best. Music. A beautiful journey through faith, family, melody and time.

Commissioned by B Street Theatre, Bars and Measures is the fascinating tale of two brothers. One a classical pianist. The other a jazz bass player. One a Christian. The other a Muslim. One living in freedom. The other in jail. Separated by bars, the brothers try to reconcile their differences through the language they know best. Music. A beautiful journey through faith, family, melody and time.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Bars and Measures

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Bars and Measures

    Superb piece! It explores the intersections of things both huge and small--family, sibling relationships, incarceration, Islam and Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, music, and so much more--in a theatrical and compelling fashion. The way music is integrated and the poignant and nuanced metaphors--music style, the visual of cells and bars, etc.--make for what I imagine is a visual and aural treat in production. I'd love to see this on its feet!

    Superb piece! It explores the intersections of things both huge and small--family, sibling relationships, incarceration, Islam and Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, music, and so much more--in a theatrical and compelling fashion. The way music is integrated and the poignant and nuanced metaphors--music style, the visual of cells and bars, etc.--make for what I imagine is a visual and aural treat in production. I'd love to see this on its feet!

  • Cheryl Bear: Bars and Measures

    A marvelous exploration between two brothers who are separated by so much, but are united by music and love. Spectacluar and truly beautiful!

    A marvelous exploration between two brothers who are separated by so much, but are united by music and love. Spectacluar and truly beautiful!

  • Franky D. Gonzalez: Bars and Measures

    I return often to the power of this play and its many complex layers. An absolute marvel to behold, BARS AND MEASURES finds astounding ways to critique so many facets of our deeply flawed culture while still telling a heartrending tale of two brothers bound by music but separated by so many distances both physical and metaphorical. Idris Goodwin is a master at his craft, using music, dialogue, and social ills to show us the depth of emotion one goes through in the journey of life. It's a marvelous play. Read it and let the music wash over you.

    I return often to the power of this play and its many complex layers. An absolute marvel to behold, BARS AND MEASURES finds astounding ways to critique so many facets of our deeply flawed culture while still telling a heartrending tale of two brothers bound by music but separated by so many distances both physical and metaphorical. Idris Goodwin is a master at his craft, using music, dialogue, and social ills to show us the depth of emotion one goes through in the journey of life. It's a marvelous play. Read it and let the music wash over you.

View all 8 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization New Black Fest // Lark Playwright Center, Year 2015
  • Type Reading, Organization Tricklock Theater / Theater Without Borders, Year 2015
  • Type Commission, Organization B Street Theater, Year 2014

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Urban Stages, Year 2019
  • Type Professional, Organization Boston Court , Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Jungle Theatre, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization Prop Thtr, Year 2016
  • Type Professional, Organization B Street Theatre, Year 2015