←Recommendations of PARTNER OF —

Set at a meditative and intentional pace, this haunting scene is a ten-minute theatrical poem that is an exquisite example of showing vs. telling. It addresses generational and inherited trauma and, while being specifically grounded in such a potent and well-known historical context, resonates as a universal commentary on the main issues it's concerned with. There's certainly a reason it's been produced several times, and I hope I have the opportunity to see it someday!

History is written by the victors, but Carnes takes the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless in this haunting play. She shares these characters' fight and spirit even through this difficult situation and creates an ambiance of confusion and helplessness that fits what Sally must have felt her whole life. As much as this play shouldn't be relevant today, it still is, so read it, produce it, and share it!

Memo to the President (present, past and future): if you think you can bury a crime against a young girl — whether fair or dark skinned - merely because you have power and prestige be aware that there are eyes on your crimes beyond the surveillance cameras. Unforgiving sisters, mothers, grandmothers and others like Rachael Carnes are watching, recording and will ultimately reveal your crime and tell her story. Read this and decide for yourself whether this is a ghost story or a domino dropping toward sweet revenge. Either way, this is a play that matters.

Rachel's play is a poetic dance. The subject matter makes it an important but tough read. She lays out the awful reality of Sally's upcoming life with nuance, allowing the audience to come to the conclusions needed. I wish I could have seen the staging at the OOB festival!

“Partner Of” is a beautifully composed piece! The characters are deep, the plot is jarring, and the message is powerful. The opening monologue accentuates a poetic eloquence that Carnes carries throughout the piece. The shift between time periods were flawless, which is very difficult to do. Overall, a stunning and strong 10-minute piece. This play also has fantastic roles for women of colour. Fabulous work, Rachael!

Short, but stunningly constructed and filled with rich detail and heartbreaking depth. It haunts for days after reading it, becoming even richer and deeper with time. I'm sorry I missed the recent production at Sam French, but I'm sure I'll be seeing it in another production soon.

The story of Sally Hemmings is often overlooked, and Rachael Carnes' short but powerful "Partner Of --" does a great job of bringing her experience, and her trauma, to life. As always, she does a lot in a few pages. This is a compelling historical work.

WOW! Rich, vivid, elliptical language that is by turns funny, witty, and devastating. Also a powerful look at what we don't see behind the lives of legendary historical figures. Carnes allows the audience/reader to piece together what's going on until in finally comes together in one disturbing crash, creating a brief play that has a large impact. HIGHLY recommend this play!

This short play packs a powerful punch that left me feeling haunted and troubled by an often untold moment of American history. I had the honor to encounter Carnes's work through the 2019 Samuel French Off Off Broadway Festival and I'm so glad I did. PARTNER OF is masterfully constructed and probing in its examination of race, history, power, and trauma.

What a wonderful piece.

History plays should have us look at the past to start a conversation or to shed a light on something we don't talk about. Carnes does both here, and in only 10 minutes too.

The dialogue is as poetic as it is painful. The play as a whole is nothing short of absolutley nessesary. It has plenty of reccomendations for a reason.

PARTNER OF - deserves a read. It will make you think. It will make you feel.