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Until The Flood by Dael Orlandersmith: A Powerful Exploration of Race, Identity, and Family

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Until The Flood tells the story of two sisters, Hazel and Emily, who are reunited after being separated for many years. Hazel is a successful black woman who has dedicated her life to her work. Emily is a white woman who has struggled with addiction and mental illness.

As the sisters reconnect, they must confront their shared past and the ways in which their lives have been shaped by the color of their skin. Hazel has experienced racism and discrimination throughout her life, while Emily has been largely unaware of the challenges faced by people of color.

Through a series of flashbacks, the play explores the sisters' childhood and the events that led to their separation. Hazel was raised by their grandmother, a strong and independent black woman who taught her the importance of self-reliance. Emily was raised by their mother, a white woman who struggled with alcohol addiction and mental illness.

Until the Flood

by Dael Orlandersmith

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	512 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

As the sisters learn more about each other, they begin to understand the different ways in which they have been shaped by their experiences. Hazel has learned to be tough and independent, while Emily has struggled with feelings of guilt and shame.

Ultimately, the sisters must come to terms with their shared past and their different experiences in order to move forward together. Until The Flood is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family.

Hazel: A successful black woman who has dedicated her life to her work. She is strong and independent, but she has also experienced racism and discrimination throughout her life.
Emily: A white woman who has struggled with addiction and mental illness. She is confused and guilty about her past, and she is trying to find her place in the world.
Grandmother: A strong and independent black woman who raised Hazel. She taught Hazel the importance of self-reliance.
Mother: A white woman who struggled with alcohol addiction and mental illness. She raised Emily, but she was often unable to provide her with the love and support she needed.

Race: Until The Flood explores the complexities of race and the ways in which it shapes our lives. The play shows how racism and discrimination can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.
Identity: The play also explores the theme of identity. The two sisters are trying to figure out who they are and where they belong in the world. They must come to terms with their shared past and their different experiences in order to move forward.
Family: Family is another important theme in the play. The sisters are reunited after being separated for many years, and they must learn to rebuild their relationship. The play shows how family can be both a source of strength and a source of pain.

Until The Flood has received critical acclaim for its powerful writing, its moving performances, and its important themes. The play has been praised by critics for its insights into the human experience and its ability to provoke thought and discussion.

"Until The Flood is a must-see for anyone interested in theater, race, or identity. It is a powerful and moving play that will stay with you long after you leave the theater." - The New York Times
"Dael Orlandersmith's Until The Flood is a masterpiece of American theater. It is a play that will stay with you long after you leave the theater." - The Washington Post
"Until The Flood is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in." - The Chicago Tribune

[Image of Tonya Pinkins as Hazel in Until The Flood]

[Image of Sarah Jones as Emily in Until The Flood]

[Image of the cast of Until The Flood]

[Video of a scene from Until The Flood]

Until The Flood is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of race, identity, and family. It is a must-see for anyone interested in theater, race, or identity. The play is sure to stay with you long after you leave the theater.

Until the Flood

by Dael Orlandersmith

4.8 out of 5