A Self-Portrait of Playwright Jeremy O. Harris as He Workshops His Provocative “Slave Play”
HBO’s latest documentary, ‘Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play.,’ is set to premiere on Thursday, June 20, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Directed by the acclaimed playwright Jeremy O. Harris, the documentary will also be available for streaming on Max. Before its HBO debut, the film will have its world premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Festival.
“Slave Play” was one of Broadway’s most talked-about productions, known for its bold exploration of race, sex, and interracial relationships. This documentary offers an intimate look at the creative process behind the play. Viewers are taken behind the scenes as Harris workshops the play with a new group of actors, delving into rehearsals and performance preparations. The film captures the essence of Harris’s innovative approach, highlighting the thoughts, inspirations, and meticulous work that brought “Slave Play” to life.
In this, his directorial debut, Harris addresses the polarizing reactions to his play. Despite its record-breaking 12 Tony Award® nominations and critical acclaim, “Slave Play” sparked significant debate and controversy. Harris and his cast dissect the incendiary nature of the text, exploring themes of racial stereotypes and power dynamics within interracial relationships. The documentary juxtaposes rehearsal footage with live performance clips, showcasing the diverse audience reactions ranging from laughter and applause to discomfort and criticism.
‘Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play.’ challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about history and contemporary society, urging a reimagining of theater’s role in these discussions.
Playwright Jeremy O. Harris collaborates with actors from New York’s William Esper Studio, providing a raw and insightful glimpse into the world of “Slave Play.”
‘Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play.’ is presented by HBO Documentary Films and directed by Jeremy O. Harris. The production team includes producers Chris Moukarbel and Natalia Leigh-Brown, editors Peter Ohs and Teki Cruickshank, composer Isabella Summers, cinematographer Matt Klammer, and sound designer Jeremy Grody. Jamie McBriety serves as co-producer, with Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen as executive producers for HBO.