Red Clay Halo

by Andy Boyd

The year is 1939. The place, Southeast Missouri. Three members of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (Billie Barstow, Harry Leland, and his daughter Baby Blue) are sitting on the side of Highway 61, attempting to gain public sympathy in the wake of a wave of anti-Union evictions. They are also trying, fitfully, awkwardly, to trust one another.

This is a play about people who, forced against the wall and with...

The year is 1939. The place, Southeast Missouri. Three members of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union (Billie Barstow, Harry Leland, and his daughter Baby Blue) are sitting on the side of Highway 61, attempting to gain public sympathy in the wake of a wave of anti-Union evictions. They are also trying, fitfully, awkwardly, to trust one another.

This is a play about people who, forced against the wall and with nothing left to lose, fought back.

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Red Clay Halo

Recommended by

  • Annalise Cain: Red Clay Halo by Andy Boyd
    “

    I love the language of this play. I rode along the twists and turns Boyd pulls us through as we see these two characters reckon with their history and the possibilities in front of them. I particularly like the ending, and the hope that lies in telling the nuanced truth.

    I love the language of this play. I rode along the twists and turns Boyd pulls us through as we see these two characters reckon with their history and the possibilities in front of them. I particularly like the ending, and the hope that lies in telling the nuanced truth.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: Red Clay Halo by Andy Boyd
    “

    An epic tale of a community fighting back when they were in the midst of dire need. Well done.

    An epic tale of a community fighting back when they were in the midst of dire need. Well done.

    ”
  • Ben Kaye: Red Clay Halo by Andy Boyd
    “

    A powerful work of community-building, an epic theatrical conversation between race, religion, and politics. Boyd's theatrical instincts shine in creating worlds of ephemeral storytelling and grounded character-building. A play that sings - literally and spiritually - and looks to our past to build a stronger future in solidarity. I cannot wait to see this play come alive one day soon.

    A powerful work of community-building, an epic theatrical conversation between race, religion, and politics. Boyd's theatrical instincts shine in creating worlds of ephemeral storytelling and grounded character-building. A play that sings - literally and spiritually - and looks to our past to build a stronger future in solidarity. I cannot wait to see this play come alive one day soon.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
One Black woman, one white man, one white girl

Development History

  • Reading, Pipeline Theatre Company, 2022
  • Residency, Pipeline Theatre Company, 2020