Photo by The Art of Deconstruction: Unpacking the Brilliance of Slave Play
As I sat down to watch Jeremy O. Harris’ documentary, Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play., I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The film’s world premiere at Tribeca Festival had generated a lot of buzz, and I was curious to see how Harris would bring his provocative stage play to life on screen.
The documentary opens with a jarring scene: a white audience member’s reaction to the play, followed by Harris’ calm responses from the stage. It’s a powerful setup, and one that sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Rather than simply filming a stage production of Slave Play, Harris takes a more unconventional approach. He films young actors as they work through the play in a workshop setting, with Harris himself providing direction and guidance. The result is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsal process, with multiple cameras capturing the actors’ performances from different angles.
But what really sets Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play. apart is its willingness to break with convention. At a certain point, the documentary takes a sharp turn, incorporating new perspectives and deconstructing the very notion of documentary filmmaking. It’s a bold move, and one that pays off in a big way.
The playwright and director behind Slave Play.
Through interviews with past cast members and a look back at the play’s origins at Yale, Harris weaves together a complex and thought-provoking narrative. It’s a testament to the power of art to challenge and subvert our expectations.
As Slave Play prepares to make its way to London’s West End later this month, it’s clear that this is a play that will continue to spark important conversations. And with Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play. set to stream on Max, audiences everywhere will have the chance to experience Harris’ innovative storytelling for themselves.
A scene from the play, which is heading to London’s West End.
In the end, Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play. is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a documentary, a behind-the-scenes look, and a work of art in its own right. And it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the power of storytelling to challenge and inspire.
