In the Blood

A Look at the “American Dream” from Under a Bridge

In this dark and twisted take on the so-called “American Dream,” Pulitzer Prize-winner Suzan-Lori Parks tells the story of Hester, a mother of five who lives with her children in destitute poverty beneath a bridge. First performed 20 years ago, In the Blood has only become more relevant with time and takes place HERE and NOW. Loosely inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, this play is a laser-sharp look at institutional racism, sexism and the endemic poverty that plagues so many Americans. It tells the story of an America where it isn’t hard to lock children in cages, and asks us all what our role is in a society that criminalizes the most vulnerable among us.

Creative Team

Directed by Timmia Hearn
Scenic and Costume Design by Kate Smeltzer
Lighting Design by Emily Hunsucker
Sound Design by KayLee Mitchell
Makeup Design by Harlan Shoemaker
Projection Design by Brooke Metz
Dramaturgy by Jenny Sledge
Stage Management by Bailey Dobbins

Cast

Hester/La Negrita - Gabrielle Smith
Chili/Jabber - Chris Pendry
Reverend D/Baby - Tinashe Mukoyi
Welfare Lady/Bully - Julie Turner
Doctor/Trouble - Diego Rivera-Rodriguez
Amiga Gringa/Beauty - Jessica Myrick