Explore “Slave Play” with Jeremy O. Harris’ new HBO documentary

On Thursday, June 20,, HBO debuted the original documentary “SLAVE PLAY. NOT A MOVIE. A PLAY.,” directed by acclaimed playwright Jeremy O. Harris. This documentary offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at Harris’ provocative and groundbreaking Broadway production “Slave Play,” exploring the creative process and the intense debates it sparked. The documentary will also be available for streaming on Max and will have its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival.

“Slave Play” by Jeremy O. Harris is a provocative and controversial Broadway production that explores the complex intersections of race, sex, power, and trauma in interracial relationships. The play follows three interracial couples as they participate in an experimental form of therapy called “Antebellum Sexual Performance Therapy,” which involves role-playing slave-era sexual fantasies to address their relationship issues. The narrative structure of “Slave Play” is divided into three acts, alternating between scenes in the antebellum South and present-day therapy sessions.

This juxtaposition serves to highlight the lingering effects of slavery on contemporary relationships and racial dynamics in America. The play explores key themes such as racial trauma and its impact on intimacy, the persistence of racism in modern society, power dynamics in interracial relationships, and the complexities of racial identity and erasure. These bold thematic explorations have garnered significant attention and praise for their willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about race in America.

The play has garnered significant attention for its bold approach to these sensitive topics. Critics have praised Harris for his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about race in America, with many hailing the production as thought-provoking and necessary. The New York Times described it as “bluntly confronting the lingering traumas of slavery on black Americans.” However, “Slave Play” has also faced criticism and controversy. Some audience members have found the explicit content and treatment of historical trauma disturbing, leading to petitions calling for the play to be shut down. Critics have debated whether the play effectively addresses its themes or if it relies too heavily on provocation.

Despite the polarized reception, “Slave Play” has achieved considerable success on Broadway. It has helped launch the careers of several actors and contributed to Jeremy O. Harris’s rising profile in the theater world. The production has also sparked important conversations about race, representation, and the role of art in addressing societal issues.

The documentary, marking Harris’ directorial debut, delves into the origins and development of “Slave Play.” Through a series of workshop rehearsals with acting students from the William Esper Studio in New York, Harris strips down his own work, guiding new actors as they interpret and bring to life the complex characters. The documentary intercuts these intimate workshop sessions with clips from the live stage performances, highlighting the diverse reactions the play elicited—from laughter and applause to anger and discomfort.

Central to the documentary is a 2022 workshop led by Harris, where 23 acting students took on the play’s eight roles over two intense days. This workshop serves as a microcosm for the larger themes of the documentary, showcasing Harris’ method of deconstructing and reconstructing the play’s provocative text. Through this process, Harris and his actors explore the layers of meaning within each character, challenging and subverting racial stereotypes and power dynamics.

Harris’ documentary provides a glimpse into his creative process and reflects on the broader social and cultural debates surrounding “Slave Play.” By confronting the controversy head-on, Harris invites viewers to engage with the uncomfortable truths and modern paradigms the play addresses.