What to Send Up When It Goes Down

by Aleshea Harris

Genres: Plays

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Hailey Stoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unconventional, but I love how it reads and performs more as a ritual than as a play. I also loved so much how each of the three sections mostly stayed the same, but increased in speed as the time period became more modern. That was so good. I feel like the energy of this play though is something that can not come through on the page no matter how hard you try, just because that part of it is something that you can only experience in person.

[Kahmal Sealey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Echoing another poster, this very much reads like a ritual as opposed to a play. I think watching this would be incredible but reading it was sometimes challenging.

That being said, Aleshea really hit the nail on the head with the struggles that black people experience, both on the macro and micro level, and for that reason I instantly connected with the book. From the white woman not understanding unless ‘Negro Dialect’ was used, f*cking with whites by ‘walking normally’ and my favourite – them being impervious to attacks, yet crumbling in the face of kindness; each conjured an array of similar experiences I’ve had and felt extremely relatable.

No spoilers, but the ending was beautiful as well. Having witnessed various ‘insert negative phrasing/opinion’ before the words black people, to fill the space with love, light and positivity – filled my heart.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the printed copy in American Theater. A devastating, cathartic cacophony of anger and collective healing specifically for Black audiences, with a strong challenge for non-Black audience members to advocate for change. Has some Churchill-ian metatheatrics mixed in with some Suzan-Lori Parks Rep & Rev that builds to a devastating climax. Definitely want to see.

[Grace Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm emotional but it is not even my place to be so. This is a ritual for Black people, and it is my privilege to be a witness to it.

[bookster95 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed watching the play and enjoyed it again while reading it. The language Aleshea uses in dialogue, monologue, and song is nothing short of amazing.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching this play in both Play Analysis and Theatre History II.