Dirt, Ash, Dead Tree

by Jarrett McCreary

A young black boy, after losing everything, drifts into a fantasy world of memories and monsters. He wonders and wanders in search of his home, his will to live, and the answers to his many questions surrounding what it truly looks like when one considers taking their own life.

A young black boy, after losing everything, drifts into a fantasy world of memories and monsters. He wonders and wanders in search of his home, his will to live, and the answers to his many questions surrounding what it truly looks like when one considers taking their own life.

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Dirt, Ash, Dead Tree

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Dirt, Ash, Dead Tree by Jarrett McCreary
    “

    This gorgeous play occupies a unique theatrical world between myth and reality. McCreary examines Dayo's continued traumas and his struggles to climb out of the mire using both poignant natural scenes and sparer, more lyrical moments. In doing so, he plunges us into Dayo's destruction and healing with a level of remove that allows us to thoughtfully consider and process it effectively. This feels both like a great parable while also being incredibly human. The exchanges and scenes feel carefully chosen and intricately structured, with amazing opportunities for actors, directors, and designers...

    This gorgeous play occupies a unique theatrical world between myth and reality. McCreary examines Dayo's continued traumas and his struggles to climb out of the mire using both poignant natural scenes and sparer, more lyrical moments. In doing so, he plunges us into Dayo's destruction and healing with a level of remove that allows us to thoughtfully consider and process it effectively. This feels both like a great parable while also being incredibly human. The exchanges and scenes feel carefully chosen and intricately structured, with amazing opportunities for actors, directors, and designers to play within the piece.

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    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Dirt, Ash, Dead Tree by Jarrett McCreary
    “

    I'm really anxious to see this play staged. It's full of fantasy and darkness as a way to show the pain of the main character, Dayo, and those in his life that care about him. McCready strikes a critical balance between depicting the global epidemic of Black men dying and the deeply personal inner demons that one man faces. The imagery in this play really makes me want to see what bold and adventurous actors, directors and designers can do with this world.

    I'm really anxious to see this play staged. It's full of fantasy and darkness as a way to show the pain of the main character, Dayo, and those in his life that care about him. McCready strikes a critical balance between depicting the global epidemic of Black men dying and the deeply personal inner demons that one man faces. The imagery in this play really makes me want to see what bold and adventurous actors, directors and designers can do with this world.

    ”
  • Interact Theatre Company: Dirt, Ash, Dead Tree by Jarrett McCreary
    “

    InterAct Theatre Company developed DIRT, ASH, DEAD TREE as part of our 6th Annual Core Playwrights Weekend in December 2018. Jarrett took the week to work with a director and dig into the play's highly theatrical world, blending music with searing poetic imagery and hypnotic experiments with time. We are proud to have contributed to the development of this piece.

    InterAct Theatre Company developed DIRT, ASH, DEAD TREE as part of our 6th Annual Core Playwrights Weekend in December 2018. Jarrett took the week to work with a director and dig into the play's highly theatrical world, blending music with searing poetic imagery and hypnotic experiments with time. We are proud to have contributed to the development of this piece.

    ”

Development History

  • Reading, Interact Theater Company, 2018