A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Protect the Beautiful Place

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 2m

Nathan Alan Davis

Four generations of a family are living in a home nestled in the woods of southern Illinois. When the great-grandson brings home a new girlfriend, everyone is very interested in making sure she can maintain the lineage of family living in their home. Part one of The Refuge Plays trilogy.

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Protect the Beautiful Place

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Four generations of a family are living in a home nestled in the woods of southern Illinois. The family’s matriarch stands firm, even as her family worries about her age and health. Her daughter-in-law is fending off the ghost of her late husband. Her great-grandson has just brought home a new girlfriend, and everyone is very interested in making sure she can maintain the lineage of family living in their home.

Part one of The Refuge Plays, Nathan Alan Davis’ epic trilogy following one Black family over 70 years. The plays can be presented together or individually.

History
The Refuge Plays premiered off-Broadway at Roundabout Theatre on 14 September 2023, co-produced by New York Theatre Workshop. The plays were directed by Patricia McGregor.
Keywords
Performing Groups
GAIL – The de facto head of the household.

EARLY – The original matriarch of this family.
WALKING MAN – A ghost. Gail’s husband. Early’s son.
JOY – Gail and Walking Man’s daughter.
HA-HA – Joy’s son.
SYMPHONY – A young woman from a nearby town.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Setting A small house, nestled deep in a southern Illinois forest. Fall. The Present.
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 60 minutes (1 hour)
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes
    • Smoking

Media

“The playwright has smashed existing artistic forms and created new ones along the way.” – The New York Times

“An epic journey through time, space and family. The Refuge Plays is a joy ride worth taking.” – New York Theatre Guide

“The playwright has smashed existing artistic forms and created new ones along the way… The Refuge Plays suggests the potential for stories to exceed the world’s limitations.” – The New York Times



Videos

  • The Refuge Plays – In Three Parts youtube thumbnail

    The Refuge Plays – In Three Parts

  • The Refuge Plays at Roundabout Theatre Company youtube thumbnail

    The Refuge Plays at Roundabout Theatre Company

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Authors

Nathan Alan Davis

Nathan Alan Davis
Nathan Alan Davis is a playwright from Rockford, IL, now based in New York. His plays include Nat Turner in Jerusalem, Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea and The Wind and the Breeze. His work has been produced and developed by New York Theatre Workshop, McCarter Theatre, The Public ...
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