Underground by Lisa B. Thompson

Underground reunites Kyle and Mason, a pair of old college friends who have gone from radicals in their youth to successful professionals approaching middle age. When Kyle unexpectedly shows up at Mason's door, the two have a chance to catch-up, reminisce and, as the evening goes on, engage one another in a battle of intellects over the best road to black liberation. As their argument becomes increasingly...
Underground reunites Kyle and Mason, a pair of old college friends who have gone from radicals in their youth to successful professionals approaching middle age. When Kyle unexpectedly shows up at Mason's door, the two have a chance to catch-up, reminisce and, as the evening goes on, engage one another in a battle of intellects over the best road to black liberation. As their argument becomes increasingly passionate and more personal, news reports reveal a police search for the leader of a black radical political movement. From flashbacks to their first meeting to the final game of chess that could change their lives forever, Mason and Kyle each pose to one another the central question of Underground: how far would you go to protect your people?

Reviews:
https://www.austinchronicle.com/arts/2017-03-31/underground/
http://www.broadwayworld.com/austin/article/BWW-Review-UNDERGROUND-a-Taut-Psychological-Political-Thriller-20170327
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Underground

Recommended by

  • Sheila Rinear:
    7 Jun. 2020
    “ Lisa B. Thompson’s Underground is outstanding. So much tension, doubt, courage and determination simmers under the lyrical rhythms of Mason and Kyle’s remarkably paced dialogue. Their arguments give accurate insight into the pride and pain of those fighting racism for themselves and for their people. This is a timely and trustworthy story for right now at this moment in time. ”
  • Patricia Milton:
    15 Apr. 2017
    “ Riveting from start to ending. This political thriller asks challenging and important questions, and gives no easy answers. I really appreciated the playwright's thoughtful choices, particularly the historical context in which the play is set. Will not only engage audiences but keep audience members in deep conversation long after the play is over. ”
  • Rudy Ramirez:
    1 Feb. 2017
    “ A powerful and exceptionally timely drama, UNDERGROUND is verbal chess match between two old friend over how they will work to liberate their people as the rising tide of white supremacy prompts revolutionary activism. ”

Character Information

  • Mason Nathaniel Dixon
    40s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    A forty-seven-year old black lawyer who wears conservative dark Italian two-button suits to court and high-end casual wear on weekends. Once upon a time he went by Dix, but no longer. He believes in both style and substance. A native of South Central Los Angeles who tries to keep his ‘hood upbringing hidden beneath the surface. No jewelry, no Nikes.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Kyle Brown
    50s,
    African American / Black
    ,
    Male
    He is as flashy as his off-the rack three-piece suits and diamond studs. His nickname is “K.” He is sly and spirited with a revolutionary entrepreneurial spirit. He is known widely as a protest hustler. He moves and talks fast. His eyes reveal that he’s willing to kill. He has stared down the barrel of more than one gun. Raised in the comfort of LA’s View Park neighborhood aka “Pill Hill” but has perfected his performance as a “boy from the ‘hood.”
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Vortex Repertory Theatre
    ,
    2016

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    The Vortex Repertory
    ,
    2017

Awards

Winner
,
David Mark Cohen New Play Award
,
Austin Critics Table
,
2017