WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN
I’m incredibly eager to see Playwrights Horizon’s first show of the off-Broadway season, Aleshea Harris’ WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN. The piece is billed as a “play-pageant-ritual-homegoing celebration,” to acknowledge and honor the deaths of Black Americans as a result of racialized violence. The piece is a mish-mash of scenes, songs, sketches, and dance intended to create a “space for catharsis, reflection, cleansing, and healing.” And audience members are encouraged to participate in the rituals led by the performers onstage. I find it interesting that Playwrights Horizon has noted on their website: “The play was created for a Black audience, but all are welcome. The intention of the play is to create a space for as many Black-identifying audience members as possible.” I appreciate how upfront the theatermakers are about the intentions of their piece, and I hope they achieve those intentions with full houses every night!
—Julia Hammer, Director of Production
