The America Play
By Suzan Lori-Parks
Theoretical Set Design
University Theater, Yale University
2023
The subterranean-like design was inspired by the phrase "history was written by those in power". It is biased, one-sided, and incomplete. Meanwhile, black history was excluded and overlooked. "The replica of the great hole of history" in this sense is the underground area that many forgotten people lives. It is the exact same system and structure but it is filled with dirt and the ugliness. The upstage walls are mirror plexi, aligned with the "echo sound" that the characters repeat throughout the play.