32 pages • 1 hour read
The America Play
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
67
Play • Fiction
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The America Play by Suzan-Lori Parks follows the Foundling Father, a Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator who, inspired by his resemblance to Lincoln and yearning for historical significance, leaves his family to dig a symbolic hole and reenact Lincoln’s assassination for patrons. The play examines themes of identity, history, and legacy, culminating in his family searching for his remains to honor his memory. Some depictions of violence and historical trauma are included.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
678 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Suzan-Lori Parks' The America Play has been lauded for its innovative structure and profound exploration of history, identity, and memory. Critics appreciate its challenging narrative and rich symbolism. However, some find it difficult to follow due to its non-linear storyline and abstract themes. Overall, it is considered a bold and thought-provoking piece of contemporary theater.
Who Should Read The America Play?
Readers who enjoy exploring complex themes of identity, history, and race through innovative and non-linear narratives would appreciate Suzan-Lori Parks' The America Play. Fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and August Wilson's plays will find Parks' work similarly compelling and thought-provoking.
678 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lucy
Lucy
The wife of the Foundling Father, who stays behind and encourages her son to find a connection to his father through his work as a gravedigger and Confidence.
Brazil
Brazil
The son of the Foundling Father and Lucy, who seeks to uncover his father's legacy and identity by exploring the replica of the Great Hole of History.
67
Play • Fiction
1994
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.