An original, surprising, and nuanced play that puts onstage a boldly theatrical yet intimate world. It's amazing to see young black teens rendered so beautifully and with the complexity, intelligence, and honored desires that these characters have. The dialogue is masterfully observed and each distinct and uniquely-voiced character speaks with the irregular rhythms of natural speech. The piece warms up with skillfully-drawn humor and turns menacing quickly. The disturbing, garbled sound/light interludes punctuate the escalating tension and consistently remind us subtly yet directly of the institutionalized structures, entrenched racism, and the insidious, at-best-indifferent-at-worst-toxic authority figures that poison our society.

This play can start out feeling like a comedy or coming of age story set in detention with a group of African American students but it quickly becomes so much more. It's a play that portrays the things that trap the black community and a play that breaks down the idea that that community is some kind of monolith. This plays has many roles for young black actors that are complex and free from the stereotypes that today's media is filled with. Really hope this gets produced soon!!

Dave's play is constantly surprising, while offering multiple moments of moving, funny, and deeply disturbing reflections on the ways institutionalized structures, and our responses to them, take effect on our lives.