Flyin' West and Other Plays

by Pearl Cleage

“Pearl Cleage is a passionate, challenging playwright whose concerns for the species are unmistakable and profound. As a woman, as an African-American, her artistic objectivity and sensitivity to history combine with, but do not overshadow, her capacity to dig for truth and present it flat out as she sees it – with a finger snap or a shout and sometimes with a wink. Among the most satisfying roles I’ve undertaken on stage is surely Miss Leah in Flyin’ West . She brings the bushel nuggets of drama and humor that capture the ear, the heart and the imagination. She’s devilish, too.” –Academy Award® Nominee Ruby Dee

“Ms. Cleage writes with amazing grace and killer instinct.” –Alvin Klein, New York Times

“Pearl Cleage is a brilliant storyteller. I am always engrossed in the drama and compassion she brings to her characters. Flyin’ West , Bourbon at the Border , Blues for an Alabama Sky , Late Bus to Mecca and Chain are marvelous examples of a playwright at the top of her form, bravely moving into the new century.” –Woodie King, Jr., Producing Director, New Federal Theatre

Pearl Cleage’s body of work for the stage provides us with a remarkable and penetrating look at the African-American experience over the last 100 years. This volume collects her major full-length plays and one-acts, including Flyin’ West , Blues for an Alabama Sky , Bourbon at the Border , Chain and Late Bus to Mecca .

PEARL CLEAGE is an Atlanta-based writer whose recent plays have premiered at The Alliance Theatre Company with subsequent productions throughout the country. Her first novel What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day was a recent Oprah’s Book Club Selection and a national bestseller. She is a former columnist of the Atlanta Tribune and a contributor to Essence Magazine .

Genres: Plays, Drama, Fiction, Read For School, Classics, Adult, Theatre

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Pearl Cleage is an African-American playwright, essayist, novelist, poet and political activist. She is currently the Playwright in Residence at the Alliance Theatre and at the Just Us Theater Company. Cleage is a political activist. She tackles issues at the crux of racism and sexism, and is known for her feminist views, particularly regarding her identity as an African-American woman. Her works are highly anthologized and have been the subject of many scholarly analyses. Many of her works across several genres have earned both popular and critical acclaim. Her novel What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (1997) was a 1998 Oprah's Book Club selection.

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Self-reliance, domestic violence, & colorism among blacks after slavery. (This edition contains only Flyin’ West.)

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thought provoking play takes place in Kansas where a black family has homesteaded after leaving the South following the Civil War. They are looking for their own independence and freedom and this play graciously personalizes their attempts to deal with each other, their community and their dreams. A story principally about the strength of Black women and their role as pioneers in the settlement of the west.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read Flyin' West and Blues for an Alabama Sky. This is the first time I read Pearl Cleage's work and I am so in love with Cleage's writing and story telling! I love how unique, witty, and over all fully developed each character is. Blues for an Alabama Sky was my favorite! I plan to read her other plays soon!

[Laya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stage managed a production of this in college, and it made me a huge fan of Pearl Cleage.

[Mia Steadman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I came across this piece as it’s honestly now one of my favourite plays. Easily read this in one sitting (instead of going to sleep aha).


Cleage creates a very unique and heartfelt story of the cruelty faced towards black women and women as a whole. It covers very difficult topics of racism and abuse that were heavily impactful and meaningful - whilst also integrating wit and humour to lighten the tone without losing the message. The play was very educational and influential and left me sitting in silence for a good 10 minutes once I had made it to the very cathartic ending.


I am absolutely in love with Cleage’s storytelling and definitely will read more of her works!

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very serious but short plays about being an African American during Jim Crow. I HATED Frank. He was a complete asshole. I love Sophie, Miss Leah, and Wil. They truly came up and showed out for Minnie. Fannie did too at the end, but I was a bit frustrated at her being sympathetic to Frank. I loved the pie moment. Truly amazing. Lovely writing.

[Nancy Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read any of Pearl Cleage plays before, embarrassed to say. They were all amazing. I especially loved Blues for an Alabama Sky and Flyin' High. Chain was very difficult to read but brilliant. I can't wait to see Blues for an Alabama Sky staged by Remy Bumppo Theatre Company here in Chicago in September 2023!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye Earl by The Chicks but make it generations of black women creating the first all black town in the west post the civil war!!

[Landon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only read Flyin' West. It is a very well-made play, but I do not like the message behind it. I do not think ethnic pride and idolizing freedom should be celebrated.

[Emily Cumana · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay! so technically this is only a review on flyin west but WOW!!! im so infatuated with this script & her writing. i will absolutely be reading more of her works 🤍

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a strange utopian Wild West play all about the contemporary desire for freedom and feminism

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love the feminist themes in this play and Cleage is known for this. But I think the play would’ve been improved if the male characters had more depth. Perhaps a monologue from Frank to garner some sympathy for his experiences, so he is not solely a villain. Don’t get me wrong. He’d still be a villain, but at least the audience would have the chance to hear his journey.

[Kelly Armstrong]

I love Flying West. I can't wait till I am able to play in it!!!

[Penn Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

JKfhkjhskhfskdljekl Damn good play.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flyin' west only read for school but overall an interesting play have to say I enjoyed the ending hope it doesn't make me a bad person.

[Tabetha Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleage is a gifted novelist but she is an even more gifted dramatist.