Native Son (Kelley/Wright)

BIGGER - African-American male of 20
THE BLACK RAT - Afican-American male 20s, the voice inside Bigger’s head
MARY - Caucasian female, early 20s, edgy and simultaneously precious
JAN - Caucasian male, 30s, well-intentioned with an edge; plays a variety of roles
HANNAH - African-American female, early 40s, tough, broken, the edge of anger; plays a veriety of roles
BUDDY - African-American male to play teens, soft, a follower; plays a variety of roles
BESSIE - African-American female to play teens to mid 20s, alcoholic; also plays VER and a variety of roles
MRS. DALTON - Caucasian female, late 40s to early 50s, blind and well-intentioned; plays a variety of roles
MR. DALTON - Caucasian male, late 40s to early 50s, seemingly upstanding; plays a variety opf roles
BRITTEN - Caucasian male, 40s-50s, main investigator, thrives on mischief; plays a variety of roles
GUS - African-American male, 20s, Bigger’s best friend, smarter than Bigger with less fight; plays a variety of roles

-This play can be performed with a cast of 9 or 11 actors with THE BLACK RAT doubling as GUS and BRITTEN.

-The live black rat that Bigger chases, and the white cat can be puppets activated by an unseen manipulator.