Plays for the Plague Year is a collection of plays written by Suzan-Lori Parks, a renowned American playwright. The play is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on the world. The work is a series of 19 plays, each representing a different day of the pandemic, from March to April 2020. The plays are a personal and introspective account of the playwright’s experiences during this time, exploring themes of isolation, loss, and hope.
Plays for the Plague Year follows a character known as “The Writer”, who is struggling to come to terms with the new reality of the pandemic. Through a series of vignettes, the play explores the emotional and psychological impact of the pandemic on individuals and communities. The plays are a mix of poetry, prose, and dialogue, creating a unique and innovative theatrical experience.
Throughout the piece, Parks explores themes of grief, trauma, and resilience, as well as the ways in which the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities. The play is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and the ways in which we respond to crisis and uncertainty.
This work has been praised for its innovative structure and language, as well as its unflinching portrayal of the pandemic’s impact on individuals and communities. It has been performed in various venues, including online platforms, and has been widely reviewed and discussed in the media.
A bit about the playwright
Suzan-Lori Parks is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright, novelist, and screenwriter. She is known for her innovative and experimental approach to playwriting, and has written numerous plays, including Topdog/Underdog and Father Comes Home from the Wars. Her work often explores themes of identity, history, and social justice, and she is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential playwrights of her generation.
