R&B (Rhythm and Belchan)

by Phanésia Pharel

Music is the only thing that hasn’t broken Belchan’s heart. R&B. It’s what brought her parents together. It’s been two years since he was shot in a drive-by shooting; music is now survival for Belchan. When Belchan is hand-selected by chart-topping R&B sensation Silk as the winner of her Detroit local radio contest-she believes she is one step closer to fulfilling her dream, moreover honoring her father. R&B...

Music is the only thing that hasn’t broken Belchan’s heart. R&B. It’s what brought her parents together. It’s been two years since he was shot in a drive-by shooting; music is now survival for Belchan. When Belchan is hand-selected by chart-topping R&B sensation Silk as the winner of her Detroit local radio contest-she believes she is one step closer to fulfilling her dream, moreover honoring her father. R&B uncovers why black women and girls are so vulnerable in one of the few spaces we feel loved, our music.

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R&B (Rhythm and Belchan)

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: R&B (Rhythm and Belchan) by Phanésia Pharel
    “

    A great play about abuse and how it thrives in the music industry. A play that shows audiences how vulnerable black girls are to predators in the spaces where they should feel the most powerful and creative. Loved how the music comes and goes in this play. A play with a really powerful ending that will start some much needed dialogue.

    A great play about abuse and how it thrives in the music industry. A play that shows audiences how vulnerable black girls are to predators in the spaces where they should feel the most powerful and creative. Loved how the music comes and goes in this play. A play with a really powerful ending that will start some much needed dialogue.

    ”
  • Nick Malakhow: R&B (Rhythm and Belchan) by Phanésia Pharel
    “

    A moving, expansive piece that uses time to illustrate cycles of abuse, harm, and adultification perpetuated against Black women, specifically in the music industry, in a way that always keeps the humanity of its characters in sight. I love how the idea of generational echoes existed not just between Etta and Belchan as characters but also in the ways that Etta felt Belchan's music from a decade and a half ago would resonate in the present. Beautifully drawn characters. Lovely incorporation of music. A moving balance of pain and hope. I'd love to see this on its feet!

    A moving, expansive piece that uses time to illustrate cycles of abuse, harm, and adultification perpetuated against Black women, specifically in the music industry, in a way that always keeps the humanity of its characters in sight. I love how the idea of generational echoes existed not just between Etta and Belchan as characters but also in the ways that Etta felt Belchan's music from a decade and a half ago would resonate in the present. Beautifully drawn characters. Lovely incorporation of music. A moving balance of pain and hope. I'd love to see this on its feet!

    ”
  • Ali Keller: R&B (Rhythm and Belchan) by Phanésia Pharel
    “

    A beautiful play about a very uncomfortable topic that leaves you feeling hopeful and empowered.

    A beautiful play about a very uncomfortable topic that leaves you feeling hopeful and empowered.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Playwrights Center, 2022
  • Reading, The Tank (Syrup and Candy), 2022