←Recommendations of YELLA JACK

Donna has created a world teeming with life (quite ironically). The relationships between the women are what makes the piece really sing--and none of it feels shoehorned or forced in any way. It stays true to its era while still being cognizant of modern sensibilities. It's also a fascinating look at historical parallels to our own contemporary collective traumas.

Donna Latham’s Southern Gothic “Yella Jack” powerfully renders an unlikely sisterhood who convert a brothel into a hospital for the indigent. In language that is closer to poetry than prose, and dotted with extraordinary monologues, Latham plumbs medical history, women’s history, class, race, and the traditions of multiple religions in a story about a yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, 1878. Like Shakespeare, Latham employs humor and pathos, and like the Greeks, she structures the play around short scenes and choral-like odes. The result is compelling and unforgettable. A gem for an ensemble of diverse actors. Strongly recommended.

An amazing ensemble piece with diverse and well-developed characters. The language is poetic, symbolic and deeply impactful. Though we are in Memphis 1878 we are cannot help draw similarities to our modern day. Donna writes strong female characters and paints a picture that you can hear through the text. This is a must read.

An amazing ensemble piece with diverse and well-developed characters. The language is poetic, symbolic and deeply impactful. Though we are in Memphis 1878 we are cannot help draw similarities to our modern day. Donna writes strong female characters and paints a picture that you can hear through the text. This is a must read.

Latham's YELLA JACK is full of endless staging possibilities, from costume to sound design. Wonderfully theatrical. Superbly poetic monologues intertwined with fast paced refined and raw dialogues. Well done!

Latham's "Yella Jack" is a richly rendered portrait of Memphis during the 1878 Yellow Fever epidemic. Her characters come from different races and classes, religious traditions, speak different dialects, and have different means of tending to the dead and dying, yet, whether they realize it or not, are in it together. A terrific ensemble piece for actors with Latham's usual attention to language and character, but also a worthy challenge for an imaginative director and design team.

Poetry is weaved into this story and my eyes were glued to the page at every turn. Latham is a wordsmith. Each character gets a moment to shine and some will not just pull at your heartstrings, but yank until your heart is interlaced with the story. The piece offers brilliant roles for actors of color and women, along with providing a director with lots of room on how to present the tale. Truly amazing. Please someone produce this piece, I would drive all the way to Memphis itself to see this piece.