“Suzan-Lori Parks definitely breaks some rules,” O’Hara notes, “but it’s more exciting that way. I’m adding to that as a director, with things like projected images that suggest contemporary relevance. It’s not the average play you’ll see in Humboldt County. It’s hard-hitting and meant to be uncomfortable at times. It should generate some revealing dialogue within the audience.”

That’s been the case with performances elsewhere. “It stimulates a lot of conversation,” notes playwright Parks. “For people who do the play and who see a production of the play, it’s very moving.”

Since the play deals with oppression and persistent stereotypes within the black experience it is especially fitting as a production during Black Liberation Month, O’Hara feels.