Marcus; Or, the Secret of Sweet

by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Genres: Plays

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terell Alvin McCraney hones his unusual style to give a touching story with lyrical lines of dialogue.

[AG]

this is so beautiful

[Mary]

A play by the co-writer of Moonlight. I saw that American Players Theatre will be performing one of his plays this summer and so was inspired to find a copy of another of his plays in our public library's Hoopla collection.

Sensitive and raw--a play about a young African American man who yearns to know about his father' complicated relationships and his own sexual identity and place in the world. An exploration of shame and love. The language is mythic and lyrical.

[Sean]

Struck me as a little more scattered than the first two parts of the trilogy. Some of the same quick, clever dialogue and its dreams play with the mystical or mythical again, but it felt a little more rushed or superficial. I’d like to see what a production could do to help with developing those moments.

[lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

the last of a trilogy of plays by McCraney. i love the idea of connecting characters over 3 distinct stories, and it made very astute arguments about identity and community. i just simply wasn't super engaged by the plot.

[Phanesia Pharel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, must read a wonderful conclusion to the three brother/sister plays.

[king bitchard 💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

powerful potent moving. GIVE SHAUNTA IYUN ANOTHER SANDWICH DAMMIT!

[Octavia]

3/3. Fav one

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play and its two companions "In the Red and Brown Water" and "The Brothers Size" comprise McCraney's noted trilogy, "The Brother/Sister Plays." They are first-rate theater by someone who experienced first-hand the resistance and opposition that society habitually offers talented Afro-Americans. Inspired work, enjoyable reading.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the style and dialogue of McCraney's plays, having assisted with the Pittsburgh City Theatre's performance of Brother's Size. The simple, spoke stage directions and imaginative freedom his writing offers make me eager to see all three plays performed in one venue, with one cast some day.

[Anna Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the dialogue and the characters were written! I’d love to see it produced.