Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Ian Rickson
Co-production with Public Theater NY
Dates Performed
Wednesday 6th August 2003
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Form
Play Details
Synopsis
Here and now.
A run-down cheap apartment in present-day America.
Lincoln, a black man, works as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator at a tourist site. His younger brother, Booth, aspires to master Lincoln’s former con game, the 3-card monte, though he’s more adept at shoplifting. As the play unfolds, their shared history of abandonment, Booth’s romantic woes, and Lincoln’s job loss come to the fore, culminating in a tense card game that dredges up past hurts.
Cast & Creative
Cast
Jeffrey Wright
Cast
Mos Def
What our readers say
Lincoln, a black man, works as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator at a tourist site. His younger brother, Booth, aspires to master Lincoln’s former con game, the 3-card monte, though he’s more adept at shoplifting. As the play unfolds, their shared history of abandonment, Booth’s romantic woes, and Lincoln’s job loss come to the fore, culminating in a tense card game that dredges up past hurts.
What’s it like reading this play now?
The story and issues still feel relevant today – marginalised people doing whatever they can to survive. The themes of racism, structural inequality & whitewashed history are as current now as they were 20 years ago. The sibling rivalry at the heart of the story gives it a timeless quality – this is a play about brotherhood and betrayal.
If you like this, you might like…?
The films Queen and Slim and Good Time
Standout Moment
My fave moment is when Booth is trying to help Lincoln save his job by making his death as Abraham Lincoln more “dramatic” and they’re rehearsing the moment he gets shot. The stage directions say, “Lincoln slumps down on the floor and silently wiggles around.” Then Booth says “You look like a worm on the sidewalk.” A lovely light moment in an emotionally intense play.
