Variety described Nottage as going into "the heart of working-class America". The play opens in 2008. Behind the plays portrayal of the damage done to individual lives by what Nottage calls the American de-industrial revolution lies a wider picture of collapsing hopes and corporate ruthlessness. I hope that they will ask really tough conversations, not just of themselves but of the legislators and the people who are in power, she said. Portia is stiff as Cynthia, talking at the characters instead of speaking her peace. She . Throughout the entirety of the play, alcohol was utilized as a prop by almost all the characters. I also hope that they will understand the power of art and be more willing to engage with storytelling.. In commenting on the origins of Sweat, Nottage said, I really set about to figure out how poverty and economic stagnation was really shifting the American narrative. Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. The employees work lives and decisions about organizing likewise affect their children. Variety quotes the bartender, Stan, as warning the other characters that "You could wake up tomorrow and all your jobs are in Mexico", to which the characters respond with lethargy and disbelief. Overall, I believe that this production was truly eye-opening and although many problems are discussed, the awareness raised about racial tension was the most significant. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Last Updated on October 4, 2022, by eNotes Editorial. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Try it today! Donmar Warehouse, LondonBased on interviews with residents of small-town Pennsylvania, Lynn Nottages play vividly describes the betrayal and resentments of striking female factory workers in an era of industrial decline. Jump-start your essay with our outlining tool to make sure you have all the main points of your essay covered. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), read analysis of Working-Class Disillusionment, read analysis of Relationships, Status, and Resentment, read analysis of Economic Strain and Race Relations, read analysis of Shame, Regret, and Forgiveness. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. To understand how we got here, Nottage takes us back to the year 2000. She believes that their city was founded by her German ancestors and that Olsteads was not for people like them. [4] The play was produced off-Broadway in 2016, and on-Broadway in 2017. Nottage chose the Rust Belt town of Reading, Pennsylvania, because at the time of the plays composition, Reading was the poorest town of its size in the United States. (including. Working with this diverse cast of student actors to climb inside this story has been a gift. More vacation. Log in here. [25], The play won the 2017 Obie Award for Playwrighting for the production at the Public Theater. Sweat is preceded by an excerpt from Langston Hughes's "Let America Be America Again," a poem that critiques the false promise of the American Dream and encourages poor and working-class Americans (among other marginalized groups) to rise up and "make America again"essentially to "redeem" the oppression they've faced and the opportunities Similarly, when Cynthia earns a promotion from floor worker to Warehouse Supervisor at Olsteads, Tracey becomes spiteful and downright crueleven though she, too, applied for the job. TRACEY: [] I know the floor as good as Cynthia. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. In one of the poorest cities in. At the beginning of 2000, every character is either part of the working class or experiencing the repercussions of union strikes. This leads to a lock-out, scabs crossing the line to keep the firm going and an act of violence that explains the parole interviews. Mainly the women in her family who were teachers, activists, and artists. Im not prejudice, but thats how things are going these days. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Who is the antagonist in the play Sweat by Lynn Nottage? No matter if it was during Jessies birthday celebration, Traceys birthday celebration, or just a casual hangout at Stans bar. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Sweat. The bar itself is symbolic of the friendships that play out within it, as both the place and the relationships it facilitates are safe havens away from the stress of the outside world. There are still many labels today in the workforce and I believe Sweat did a good job portraying them, although sometimes it was hard to watch. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves at the best online prices at eBay! But when . This Study Guide consists of approximately 52 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Sweat. Though the play is brimming with these rich themes, the execution does not always succeed. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Word Count: 508. The play portrays a meeting between a parole officer and two ex-convicts, and three women who were childhood friends and had worked in the same factory. He learns that the cost of being hired is to become a scab when the others go out on strike. Centered on the working class of Reading, Pennsylvania, Sweat tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their lives sharing drinks, secrets, and laughs while working together on the factory floor. It highlights serious problems in society such as racism, economic strain, drug abuse, and toxic relationships. date the date you are citing the material. Instant PDF downloads. Personally, this part of the play resonated with my feelings towards the racial violence we experience today. Faculty & Staff Nottage researched her work in Reading and while there, gathered material for her play Clyde's, now extended through March 12 at Arden Theatre Co. This Study Guide consists of approximately 52pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Their decades-long friendship ends in a seemingly insurmountable grudge, a heartbreaking reality that drives home the pain, jealousy, and hostility that can come about when one friend feels left behind by another. Oscar, the bus boy at the bar, is Latino and is not acknowledged often by the people who go there. When the plant threatens to cut wages and lay off workers, the friends turn against each other as they struggle to stay afloat. [15] A five-star review of the production by Peter Mason in the Morning Star newspaper described Sweat as "a tension-filled drama with a turbulent, consuming plot and a cast of highly engaging characters who demand attention from the off," adding of the Donmar cast that "it would be difficult to imagine a better set of players to take on the difficult task of portraying such complex individuals". The play takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania where there is one main line of work everyone goes into. As coming from a Hispanic background and having family members come from Costa Rica to America, scenes centered around Oscar were important to me. Try it today! Tracey and Cynthia, in particular, are close friends whove shared many adventuresthey console each other, cheer each other on, and encourage each other to stay positive and have fun rather than dwell on the stress of work. There are many scenarios that lead to this violent event, but I believe they are all significant in showing that, big or small, these racial attacks need to end. You dont want to go down that road, weve got too much history between us. Virtual Tour Tempted by the opportunity to finally work at the factory, where he will receive higher wages than at the bar, Oscar crosses the picket line. Any subject. When Cynthia is promoted, the difference of social status is directly introduced. Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Building,200 Stanger Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, Phone: 540-231-6779, Fax: 540-231-7157,news.liberalarts@vt.edu Set in the decaying industrial city of . The amount of original essays that we did for our clients, The amount of original essays that we did for our clients. Lynn Nottage. Oscar reiterates how he was born here as well, yet Tracey was too blinded by the difference in ethnicity to see her wrongdoing. Before this, her inspiration came from her family. When Cynthia is promoted from shop floor worker to manager and her coworker and friend Tracey is not, their friendship suffers, and others make accusations of racially based preference, as Cynthia is Black and Tracey is white. Tickets will be available at the door in the Squires Student Center beginning one hour prior to the performance. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Already a member? But I stood on line, patiently waiting for a break. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Cynthia gets the promotion, and Tracey wonders if its just because Cynthia is Black. By clicking Receive Essay, you agree to our, Stereotypes inThe House on Mango Street Essay Example, Theme of Sexism in The Scarlet Letter Essay Sample, Argumentative Essay: The Dehumanization Of The Holocaust, Role of Social Class in Jane Eyre (Essay Sample), The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver Book Review, Essay Sample on Fahrenheit 451: The Frightening Analogy Between Societies, In Cold Blood and Criminal Justice Essay Example, Class Hierarchy inThe Great Gatsby Essay Example, Scrooge's Transformation in Dickens' A Christmas Carol Essay Sample, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. CYNTHIA: Why the hell not? What Nottage captures brilliantly is the way work, however hard or demanding, gives people an identity and purpose. But when characters begin to distance themselves from the status quo and pursue different opportunities, these relationships gradually disintegrate as those left behind feel resentful of their friends new paths. I wanna say that. Nottage addresses the theme of social status, specifically in how the characters' lives and relationships are shaped based on job position, socio-economic class, and education. But the sense of pride they've had over their work is being stripped away as the company begins to disassemble. You got a problem, you tell me to my face. 2023 . She witnessed these strong spoken women growing up, and wanted to do the same herself. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance Log in here. grounds " Sweat " , emphasizing it 's the everyday - nature of the plays themes . To get a high-quality original essay, click here. The play was directed by Lynette Linton, and featured Clare Perkins and Martha Plimpton as the mothers and Osy Ikhile (Chris) and Parick Gibson (Jason). Club members can see a different show every night of the week. Sweat I really feel is the American story. North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Jason and Chris are the sons of the two women who find themselves on opposite sides over the strike, but the young men are workers themselves and try to support the strikers. Sweat switches between 2000 and 2008 as Lynn Nottage tells the story of a group of friends who work together on the factory floor. The resonance and relevance is immediate, as we rehearsed throughout what has come to be called Striketober 2021. The volume covers Nottage's plays, productions, activism, and artistic collaborations to display the extraordinary breadth and depth of her work. Though her two friends clash throughout the play, Pietz appears to harbor most of the blows. For online purchase, find ticket links here. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. To cover up how hurt he is, Jason mocks Chris and tells him hell never succeed in such a low-paying career before asking, But seriously, man, why didn't you tell me? Despite Jasons tough exterior, its clear that hes genuinely upset by Chriss attempts to leave their shared lot in life behind and pursue higher education. Our Essay Lab can help you tackle any essay assignment within seconds, whether youre studying Macbeth or the American Revolution. Award-winning playwright Lynn Nottage often shines a spotlight on Black women under great duress, as in "Ruined," a Pulitzer Prize winner, or in the workplace like the evocative turn of the . It normalizes the common habit of many working-class individuals who come home exhausted or agitated from working extraneous jobs. Free shipping for many products! (212) 220-8000 Complimentary and Deeply Discounted Shows. But I meancmonyou guys coming over here, you can get a job faster than. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Since the twenties, okay? Jason and Chris are Tracey and Cynthias sons respectively. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. Seeing the effects of job loss and the economic struggle these people were facing first hand is what truly inspired her work for the play Sweat. by Lynn Nottage. John Earl Jelks is heartbreaking as Chris's father, a maddened drug addict who has lost the respect of his family. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. IvyMoose is the largest stock of essay samples on lots of topics and for any discipline. Oscar shows her a flyer from the community center, written in Spanish, that mentions the openings and says nothing about needing to be in the union. Jason and Chris are involved in a fight with Oscar and serve time in prison. It closed on December 18, 2016 to transfer to Broadway. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. This contributed to the story of the play, as we continually see different scenes centered around drinking, especially after work or on stressful days. They are released in 2008. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. I hope a lot of people come to see it.. Ultimately, Sweat shows the interpersonal costs of raising ones station: when desperate people strive for more out of life, fellow desperate peopleeven, and especially, dear friendswill often respond with resentment rather than support. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance date the date you are citing the material. They get tax breaks or something. What statements does this play Sweatmake about racism and racial tension in the United States? During the play Cynthia applies for a managing job at the plant which causes some problems. THEMEGUIDE KNOW BEFORE THE SHOW o Playwright Lynn Nottage was born in Brooklyn in 1964 and was educated at Brown University and the Yale School of Drama. Based on extensive interviews with residents of the rustbelt town of Reading, Pennsylvania, it shows the anger and despair that helped fuel the election of Donald Trump. Whether its the discussion that Oscar doesnt deserve a job or him being attacked, they are all just as equally painful and wrong. This revealed that the play was not just about economic stress and angry intoxicated individuals, instead, it was about the extreme violence there is towards people of color. Not us. CYNTHIA: [] You know after everything. Were a team, Jason says of himself and Chris, one of many sentiments that drives home the sacredness of close relationships for the plays struggling working-class laborers. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Characters such as Jessie use alcohol to cope with their problems to the point of being out of control, which was an important symbol specifically used by Jessica Hightower, Scenic and Properties designer of Sweat. Ruined. [17], The play was nominated for the 2017 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play and Outstanding Fight Choreography. [] I betcha they wanted a minority. In the midst of all this, Cynthia, who is African-American, is up for a management role after years of hard work, but her promotion leads to frustration as both the company and her friends use her as a scapegoat. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. -Graham S. Below you will find the important quotes in, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. We see how the plant uses ethnicity to divide workers in the case of Oscar, who is Latino. discover the notice Sweat Tcg Edition English Edition that you are looking for. Lynn Nottage began working on the play in 2011 by interviewing numerous residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, which at the time was, according to the United States Census Bureau, officially one of the poorest cities in America,[3] with a poverty rate of over 40%. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. o Nottage, Lynn. That 2 year divide is important, because between its first production and its rise to mega-acclaim, Donald Trump won the presidency. Although much of the . To combat this constant strain and underappreciation, the members of Readings working-class community depend upon tight-knit relationships with one another as a means of stress relief, support, and fulfillment. [4] The characters portrayed were associated with Trump's election campaign phrase of "the forgotten people". Stan tries to stop it but ends up getting hit. PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Well, my familys been here a long time. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Enjoy live events at insider prices. TRACEY: You want us to feel sorry for you? The union, there to protect the workers, has become overwhelmed and impotent. The bartender is Stan, who used to work at the factory with them until he suffered an injury. The sheer amount of time that characters spend together in the lived-in and comfortable bar after work emphasizes just how important a similar sense of familiarity and comfort is in their relationships with one another. Experiencing the repercussions of union strikes, talking at the Public Theater Tracey., Outstanding play and poem publish and the ability to save highlights and notes and.. 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