Strange Fruit: Where There Is Darkness, There Is Also Light

Strange Fruit, a gripping and thought-provoking modern play by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lillian Hellman, confronts the gruesome reality of racial violence in the American South. Set in the aftermath of a lynching, the play explores the devastating impact of racial prejudice and injustice on both the victims and the perpetrators.

The play opens with the arrival of Tracy Devers, a young white woman from the North, at the home of her friend, Nonnie Anderson, in the rural South. Tracy is horrified to learn that Nonnie's husband, Tom, has been lynched by a white mob. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the lynching, Tracy becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit, and witnesses the deep-seated racial hatred that permeates the community.

Caryl Phillips: Plays One: Strange Fruit; Where There is Darkness; The Shelter (Oberon Modern Playwrights)

by Insight Guides

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	971 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	94 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.22 x 9 inches

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Hellman's play is a powerful indictment of the racism that plagued the United States in the early 20th century. She unflinchingly portrays the violence and brutality that was inflicted upon African Americans, and the ways in which white society justified and perpetuated this violence.

However, Strange Fruit is not simply a tale of darkness and despair. It is also a story of hope and resilience. Throughout the play, Tracy grapples with her own evolving understanding of race and prejudice, and ultimately comes to a profound realization of the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

The play's title is taken from a haunting ballad by Billie Holiday, which tells the story of a black man who was lynched and left hanging from a tree. The song's lyrics are a powerful indictment of racial violence, and they serve as a fitting accompaniment to Hellman's play.

Strange Fruit was first produced in 1944, and it has since been performed around the world. The play has been praised for its powerful storytelling and its unflinching examination of racial violence. It remains a relevant and timely work of art, a reminder of the horrors of the past and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Characters

Tracy Devers: A young white woman from the North who is visiting her friend, Nonnie Anderson, in the rural South. Tracy is horrified to learn that Nonnie's husband, Tom, has been lynched by a white mob, and she becomes determined to find out the truth about what happened.

Nonnie Anderson: A strong and resilient black woman who is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her husband. Nonnie is initially reluctant to talk about what happened to Tom, but she eventually opens up to Tracy and shares her story.

Sheriff Ed Anderson: Nonnie's brother-in-law and the local sheriff. Ed is a complex character who is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his sympathy for his sister-in-law. Ed tries to protect Tracy from the truth about Tom's lynching, but he is ultimately unable to stop her from uncovering the facts.

Doc Baugh: The local doctor who attended to Tom after he was lynched. Doc Baugh is a racist who believes that black people are inferior to white people. He initially tries to cover up the truth about Tom's lynching, but he is eventually forced to admit what he knows.

Themes

Race and prejudice: Strange Fruit is a powerful indictment of the racism that plagued the United States in the early 20th century. Hellman unflinchingly portrays the violence and brutality that was inflicted upon African Americans, and the ways in which white society justified and perpetuated this violence.

Injustice and corruption: The play also explores the themes of injustice and corruption. The sheriff and the doctor are both complicit in the cover-up of Tom's lynching, and they are ultimately responsible for his death. Hellman's play shows how racism and prejudice can poison a community and lead to unspeakable acts of violence.

Hope and resilience: Despite the darkness and despair that permeates the play, there is also a glimmer of hope. Tracy's journey towards understanding and justice is a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and fight for what is right.

Legacy

Strange Fruit has been praised for its powerful storytelling and its unflinching examination of racial violence. The play remains a relevant and timely work of art, a reminder of the horrors of the past and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

The play has been adapted into a film several times, most notably in 1948 with Lena Horne in the lead role. The play has also been produced on Broadway several times, most recently in 2012 with Anna Deavere Smith in the lead role.

Strange Fruit is a powerful and moving play that deserves to be seen and studied by all who care about racial justice.

Caryl Phillips: Plays One: Strange Fruit; Where There is Darkness; The Shelter (Oberon Modern Playwrights)

by Insight Guides

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	971 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Paperback	:	94 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.22 x 9 inches

FREE