Black Super Hero Magic Mama by Inda Craig-Galván

FULL-LENGTH: Sabrina Jackson cannot cope with the death of her son by a White cop. Rather than herald the Black Lives Matter movement, Sabrina retreats inward, living out a comic book superhero fantasy. Will Sabrina stay in this dream world or return to reality and mourn her loss?
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Black Super Hero Magic Mama

Recommended by

  • Michael Garcia:
    22 Jun. 2022
    “ Yes, I'm a "day late, and a dollar short" but what can I say, I'm new here!

    I generally do not gravitate towards: "super-hero" type films, and/or content BUT, this play intrigued me. I specifically enjoyed how real time and fantasy/escapism were interwoven in the script. In addition, the subject-matter itself is all too real - and unfortunately, relevant six years after the play was first shared on NPX. For me as a new playwright, this play is a lesson all by itself.

    Kudos to the playwright!

    ”
  • Charles Jackson:
    8 Jan. 2022
    “ I just finished reading this play, and all I can say is it's spellbinding. Typically, I do not particularly appreciate reading plays that feature black boys being killed by a cop; I carry that fear every day as a black man, so I don't enjoy reading about it. However, this show was not trauma porn that many plays about the subject are. Inda Craig-Galvan has a heartfelt and tender masterpiece. She approached her play with empathy and love. Black Super Hero Magic Mama Is a true gem, and I hope to produce this play in the future. ”
  • Ryan Polk:
    4 May. 2021
    “ I absolutely loved every word of this beautiful play. I started it and couldn't put it down until I was done. The way that the playwright used the fantasy elements to tell this story was masterful. 100/10, highly recommend! ”
View all 57 recommendations

Character Information

  • Sabrina Jackson
    40s,
    African-American
    ,
    Female
    No-nonsense, loving mother. She will cut you down if need be.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Tramarion Jackson
    14,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    Sabrina’s son. Academically and artistically gifted. Loyal to his best friend Flat Joe.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Lena Evers
    30s,
    African-American
    ,
    Female
    Sabrina's younger sister and Tramarion's aunt. Community-minded, professional, stylish. Has always benefitted from/relied on being the younger sister.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Flat Joe
    14,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    At 14, he hardly even notices anymore when women clutch their purses in elevators. An artist skilled beyond his years and circumstances.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Officer Dave Lester
    30s-40s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    A Chicago cop with a clean record. He’s soooo over the bandwagon Cubs fans. Sincerely wants to protect and serve.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Coach Corey Brackett
    30s-40s,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    Part-time teacher/academic coach; part-time philosopher. Everybody’s favorite cool teacher.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Connie Wright
    30s-50s,
    Asian-American
    ,
    Female
    Connie’s news anchor position was hard-won and she enjoys the challenges. She can exploit the hell out of a story, but it’s wearing on her.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Tom Blackman
    30s-40s,
    African-American
    ,
    Male
    An ambitious, hungry field reporter. He’s proud of the fact that you’d never guess he grew up on the Southside of Chicago.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Residency
    ,
    Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference
    ,
    2017
  • Reading
    ,
    Intiman Theatre
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Skylight Theatre INKubator Reading Series
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Artemisia Theatre Fall Festival
    ,
    2016
  • Reading
    ,
    Association for Theatre in Higher Education/Women & Theatre Program
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Texas State Black & Latino Playwrights Conference
    ,
    2016
  • Workshop
    ,
    Women Works, University of Tulsa
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Strand Theater Company
    ,
    2022
  • Professional
    ,
    Geffen Playhouse
    ,
    2019

Awards

Winner
,
Kesselring Prize
,
National Arts Club
,
2019
Winner
,
The Rosa Parks Playwriting Award
,
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
,
2017
Kilroys List
,
2017
Runner Up
,
Princess Grace Award
,
Princess Grace Foundation-USA
,
2017
Winner
,
Jane Chambers Student Playwriting Award
,
Association for Theatre in Higher Education
,
2016
Winner
,
WomenWorks Graduate Student Playwriting Award
,
University of Tulsa
,
2016
Finalist
,
Todd McNerney National Playwriting Contest
,
College of Charleston
,
2016
Winner
,
Trustus Theatre Playwrights' Festival
,
Trustus Theatre
,
2016