←Recommendations of PARTNER OF —

A moving and powerful play about the enslaved Hemings women of Monticello and young Sally Hemings before she had any idea what was in store for her as the future mother of Thomas Jefferson's enslaved children. Lifts a curtain on a dark and important part of our country's history that is frequently overlooked.

Carnes is digging in the dirt in this extraordinary piece... revealing the past, exposing dark secrets, cataloguing dusty artifacts as a reminder to those who follow. The destruction of innocence, the cyclical pattern of abuse from men in power, and the rationalization/justification from the long line of victims, serve her story well. The imagery is layered and rich, and the message is loud and clear. If you haven’t read work by this playwright, you are sincerely missing out.

Yes, an incredible play - arguably a masterpiece of the short form, seriously. The atmosphere, the evocative setting, the poetic language - and its disturbing subject - create a thought-provoking play that may provoke a re-assessment of Thomas Jefferson. A man of great letters, a giant of history - and that should pale in comparison to his monstrous, evil abuse of power over a slave child. A must-pick play for any #metoo festival. Produce this now, share it again and again. This play is proof that Carnes can't be ignored. She's brilliant!

An incredible play that hurts more and more with each line. Carnes work is impressive, and leaves you not only destroyed by the story, but satisfied. A perfect example of what a short play should be, and the effects it can have. I'm absolutely shaken by its truth.

Absolutely chilling, and hauntingly beautiful. Carnes uses rhythmic, poetic repetition to draw us close to the truth and horror of the world these characters inhabit. Aching memory and aching hope intertwine in a striking, heartbreaking way.