Black Prometheus

by Zachariah Ezer

[One-Act Play] Stuck in a negative experience machine, a pair of Black test subjects do everything they can to theorize a way out of being killed over and over again.

[One-Act Play] Stuck in a negative experience machine, a pair of Black test subjects do everything they can to theorize a way out of being killed over and over again.

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Black Prometheus

Recommended by

  • Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre: Black Prometheus

    This play is the epitome of a thriller with dark and comedic elements. I see it as being highly successful on this forefront. The thriller elements are very tight, suspenseful, and unnerving. The comedic elements are very darkly funny, very clever, imaginatively shocking and subtly uneasy. The social commentary and interracial themes explored are so relevant, and they are done thoughtfully. It does a great job avoiding preacher-like effects and does not skimp on telling of the true harsh realities. This play is excellent and was amazing to be able to bring to life on stage....

    This play is the epitome of a thriller with dark and comedic elements. I see it as being highly successful on this forefront. The thriller elements are very tight, suspenseful, and unnerving. The comedic elements are very darkly funny, very clever, imaginatively shocking and subtly uneasy. The social commentary and interracial themes explored are so relevant, and they are done thoughtfully. It does a great job avoiding preacher-like effects and does not skimp on telling of the true harsh realities. This play is excellent and was amazing to be able to bring to life on stage.
    - Heaven Booker

  • Daniel Prillaman: Black Prometheus

    With a timely and provocative nightmare of a play, Ezer probes into and condemns America’s ugly history (and unfortunate present) with race relations. There are influences of Beckett and brutal absurdism in the structure of the world, evoking an encompassing and inescapable existential crisis for the characters and audience. An uncomfortable, biting read in the best of ways, this would be chilling and amazing to see live. Excellently done.

    With a timely and provocative nightmare of a play, Ezer probes into and condemns America’s ugly history (and unfortunate present) with race relations. There are influences of Beckett and brutal absurdism in the structure of the world, evoking an encompassing and inescapable existential crisis for the characters and audience. An uncomfortable, biting read in the best of ways, this would be chilling and amazing to see live. Excellently done.

  • T. M. Gadomski: Black Prometheus

    Trying to be concise: I hope I get to see this live. Relevant, real-life, and mind-bending. Such a great piece.

    Trying to be concise: I hope I get to see this live. Relevant, real-life, and mind-bending. Such a great piece.

Character Information

Voice can be prerecorded, but they may also be played live.
  • Black Masc
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American/Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Male/Masc/NB
  • Black Femme
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American/Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Female/Femme/NB
  • White Masc
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Male/Masc/NB
  • White Femme
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Female/Femme/NB
  • Voice
    May be prerecorded
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    BIPOC
    Character Gender Identity
    Any gender

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Ruthless Nightingale, Year 2019
  • Type Residency, Organization BUFU, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization BUFU, Year 2018

Production History

Awards

  • Marathon of One Act Plays
    Ensemble Studio Theater
    Semi-Finalist
    2019