←Recommendations of Behind the Sheet

A heartbreaking depiction of the often forgotten (and often concealed) historical breakthroughs that enslaved black women contributed to. An important play that should be added to any exploration of science, ethics, and informed consent. This play will haunt you and break your heart each time you think of it after reading. Highly recommend.

Beautiful work! The language is so well-scored with a great ear for the rhythms of the rise and fall of the scenes. The play holds up a mirror to erased history that must be witnessed and known. Simpson does a terrific job bringing it all to light. This play is a gift and a blessing.

This play made me an instant fan of Charly Evon Simpson. The subject matter is gripping and heart breaking and Simpson never once flinches. She lets us see the cruelty in full force. There is also tenderness and love. I was lucky enough to see this at Ensemble Studio Theatre. I think this should be done in every state of the US at the bare minimum.

This play is heartbreaking, beautifully written, and potentially nightmare inducing. It is a history I wish more people were aware of, disturbing as it is. Charly Evon Simpson always has so much depth to her characters, and this play is no different. She shows joy in a place one would imagine none would be found, and with this glimmer of joy the pain is that much more felt. Read this play, produce this play, live in this play, let yourself be uncomfortable and torn up with this look at history.

Unsettling, haunting, filled with both searing critique and heartbreaking humanity. Charly Evon Simpson has created nothing short of both a compelling piece of theatre as well as an indictment of yet another facet of the United States' original sin. Charly Evon Simpson is one of the best playwrights in the U.S., period. Full stop. Behind the Sheet is just yet another affirmation of her immense talents. Read it. If it's produced in your area, watch it. If you're wondering what to produce next season, this play has to be on your list.

Read this play! See this play! Tell your friends and your theaters about this play. It will stay with me for a long time. One of the best things I've seen, ever.

Every theatre in America should do this play. Powerful, deep, haunting look at an ugly chapter in the history of American medicine and the role black enslaved women played in it.

A very powerful, brilliantly-written play on the often forgotten role of enslaved black women in the development of gynecology. Tragic, moving, timely, and necessary. Simpson approaches the story with sensitivity, depth, and wisdom, imbuing every character with the dignity and complexity they deserve. Such an important story that must be experienced.

A remarkably powerful play that gives voice and tribute to forgotten women. Every regional theater in the country should be programming this play for their seasons - it's a necessary work.

I had the incredible opportunity to see this play's premiere at Ensemble Studio Theatre and I am completely stunned by the power and the beauty in Simpson's words. This historical play lifts hearts and minds to the present moment, bringing us closer to our atrocities than we've perhaps ever been before. The writer has built a monument to the forgotten multitudes, and shown our relationship to their unimaginable suffering. This play should be produced everywhere. Brava!