Dael Orlandersmith - Until the Flood

In this current moment of extraordinary discord in American society, Dael Orlandersmiths Until the Flood offers a heartrending demonstration of the potential of art to reach across cultural boundaries and generate the kind of empathy that could potentially help bring us all closer together Part of the appeal of Until the Flood lies in seeing the dazzlingly nimble ways in which Orlandersmith transforms from one character to anotherthrowing a chair out of frustration and crying for blood in one moment, becoming a mild-mannered teacher the next When, in the shows final minutes, Orlandersmith herself finally speaks in her own voice to articulate her own sorrowful yet hopeful perspective, the effect is akin to that of a prayer, a poetic plea for understanding and peace that ought to be heard all across the land. TheaterMania Deeply humane A moving and important piece. London Evening Standard Quietly devastating The picture Orlandersmith paints isnt of an isolated eruption following a single tragic incident, but something much more ominousa society riven by deep, perhaps insurmountable cracks. Whether or not there is any hope, it is a salve to see that beauty can arise from such tragedy Fascinating, moving. Time Out London Orlandersmith crafts a stunning theatrical experience that must be seen. Portland Observer Each speaker is fully inhabited and dispassionately held up for inspection Orlandersmith allows her characters to be more than their politics or prejudices We get a glimpse of these peoples lives, their struggles and dreams.

Londons Guardian Orlandersmith embodies characters drawn with closely observed specificity and uses these characters to explore weighty themes: How white supremacy, like a parasite, burrows itself into the hearts of everyone it touches, poisoning its victims and beneficiaries alike. How language is used to categorize people as good or bad without regard for their actions. How poverty is created and enforced by those in power but blamed on the people who experience it. Oregonian ***** Searing Brilliantly and superbly performed. Scotlands Scotsman Orlandersmith has marshaled her material compellingly, teasing out a satisfying narrative arc or miniature journey for each person. Until the Flood is never less than absorbingand frequently illuminating.

Londons Independent

A Play DAEL ORLANDERSMITH THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP NEW YORK 2019 Until the Flood is copyright 2019 by Dael Orlandersmith Until the Flood is published by Theatre Communications Group, Inc., 520 Eighth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10018-4156 All rights reserved. Except for brief passages quoted in newspaper, magazine, radio or television reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that this material, being fully protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States of America and all other countries of the Berne and Universal Copyright Conventions, is subject to a royalty. All rights, including but not limited to, professional, amateur, recording, motion picture, recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio and television broadcasting, and the rights of translation into foreign languages are expressly reserved. Particular emphasis is placed on the question of readings and all uses of this book by educational institutions, permission for which must be secured from the authors representative: Seth Glewen, The Gersh Agency, 41 Madison Avenue, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10010, 212-634-8124. The publication of Until the Flood by Dael Orlandersmith, through TCGs Book Program, is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

TCG books are exclusively distributed to the book trade by Consortium Book Sales and Distribution. Library of Congress Control Numbers: 2019020723 (print) / 2019022351 (ebook) ISBN 978-1-55936-596-3 (paperback) / ISBN 978-1-55936-909-1 (ebook) A catalog record for this book is available from the Library of Congress. Book design and composition by Lisa Govan Cover design by Rodrigo Corral Author photo by Tess Mayer First Edition, December 2019 Dedicated to Ferguson
and world healing

Until the Flood was written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith. Until the Flood was commissioned by and received its world premiere at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (Steven Woolf, Artistic Director; Mark Bernstein, Managing Director) in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 12, 2016.

It was directed by Neel Keller. The scenic design was by Takeshi Kata, the costume design was by Kaye Voyce, the lighting design was by Mary Louise Geiger, the sound design was by Justin Ellington; the projection designer was Nicholas Hussong, and the production stage manager was Tony Dearing. Until the Flood received its New York premiere at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater (Daniella Topol, Artistic Director; Annie Middleton, Managing Director) in New York City on January 6, 2018. The artistic team remained the same, except the production stage manager was Laura Wilson. Until the Flood was produced by Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Mark Clements, Artistic Director; Chad Bauman, Executive Director) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 13, 2018. Until the Flood was produced by the Goodman Theatre (Robert Falls, Artistic Director; Roche Schulfer, Executive Director) in Chicago, Illinois, on April 26, 2018. Until the Flood was produced by the Goodman Theatre (Robert Falls, Artistic Director; Roche Schulfer, Executive Director) in Chicago, Illinois, on April 26, 2018.

The artistic team remained the same, except the production stage manager was Angela M. Adams. Until the Flood was produced by ACT Theatre (John Langs, Artistic Director; Becky Witmer, Managing Director) in Seattle, Washington, on June 8, 2018. The artistic team remained the same, except the production stage manager was Erin B. Zatloka. Until the Flood was produced by Portland Center Stage at the Armory (Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director; Cynthia Fuhrman, Managing Director) in Portland, Oregon, on March 16, 2019.

The artistic team remained the same, except the production stage manager was Kristen Mun. Until the Flood received its European premiere in a production by the Arcola Theatre (Mehmet Ergen, Artistic Director; Leyla Nazli, Executive Producer; Ben Todd, Executive Director; Jack Gamble, Associate Director; Richard Speir, Producer) at the Galway International Arts Festival in Galway, Ireland, on July 22, 2019. The artistic team was the same as the original production. The Arcola production then transferred to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 1, 2019; and to the Arcola Theatre in London, England, on September 4, 2019. The artistic team remained the same, except the production stage manager was Kenzie Murray, and with the addition of Geoff Hense as production coordinator. A new play based on interviews
conducted in St.

Louis in spring 2015. This play can be performed as
single character, multi-character;
any race, age, or gender.

Part OneLouisa Hemphill, black, early seventies, retired schoolteacher. Talks to audience: