9.2 Suzan-Lori Parks and Topdog/Underdog

Suzan-Lori Parks' "Topdog/Underdog" explores the complex relationship between two African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth. The play delves into themes of family dynamics, identity, and the struggle for success in the face of adversity.

Parks uses symbolism, wordplay, and historical references to challenge traditional narratives and representations of black identity. The play's innovative structure and language have influenced contemporary African American theater, sparking important conversations about race and social justice.

Themes and Conflicts in Topdog/Underdog

Complex Relationship and Rivalry Between Brothers

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• The play explores the intricate relationship and rivalry between two African American brothers named Lincoln and Booth
• It delves into themes of family dynamics, identity, and the struggle for survival and success in the face of adversity
• The brothers' names, Lincoln and Booth, evoke the historical figures of Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, adding layers of symbolism and irony to their characterizations and the play's themes (Abraham Lincoln's assassination)
• Lincoln and Booth engage in power struggles and role-playing games throughout the play, with Lincoln having previously mastered the art of three-card monte and Booth aspiring to surpass his brother's skill (card game)

Psychological and Emotional Scars

• The play investigates the psychological and emotional scars left by the brothers' troubled upbringing
• It explores the impact of abandonment by their parents and the effects of poverty and racism on their lives
• Parks delves into the concept of destiny and the extent to which individuals can escape their predetermined roles and circumstances
• The brothers grapple with the weight of their names and the expectations placed upon them by society and their family history

Tragic Climax and Cycle of Violence

• The play culminates in a tragic and shocking climax that highlights the destructive nature of the brothers' relationship
• It portrays the inescapable cycle of violence and betrayal that plagues their lives
• The ending serves as a commentary on the consequences of unresolved trauma, toxic masculinity, and the failure to break free from predetermined roles
• The play's resolution underscores the difficulty of escaping one's past and the devastating impact of systemic inequality on individual lives

Subverting Historical Narratives

Recontextualizing the Lincoln Assassination

• Parks uses the names Lincoln and Booth to subvert and recontextualize the historical narrative of Abraham Lincoln's assassination
• By placing two African American brothers in roles that challenge traditional representations, she invites the audience to reconsider the legacy of this historical event
• The play explores the ways in which history is constructed, interpreted, and appropriated, particularly in relation to race and power dynamics
• Parks challenges the audience to confront the ongoing impact of historical trauma on contemporary African American experiences

Confronting Stereotypes and Representation

• The play confronts stereotypes associated with black masculinity, poverty, and criminality
• It presents complex and nuanced characters who defy easy categorization and challenge reductive representations of African American identity
• Lincoln's job as an Abraham Lincoln impersonator in a shooting arcade adds a layer of meta-commentary on the commodification and appropriation of black bodies and historical trauma
• Parks subverts the notion of the American Dream and the idea of upward mobility, exposing the systemic barriers and inequalities that limit the brothers' opportunities for success and stability (racial discrimination, lack of education)

Challenging Romanticized Notions of Brotherhood

• The play challenges the romanticization of brotherhood and family bonds
• It reveals the underlying tensions, resentments, and power dynamics that can tear relationships apart, even between siblings
• Parks explores the ways in which toxic masculinity and the pressure to conform to societal expectations can lead to destructive behavior and the erosion of familial ties
• The play questions the idea of unconditional love and support within families, highlighting the complex and often painful realities of relationships shaped by trauma and inequality

Language and Theatricality in Parks' Plays

Poetic and Rhythmic Language

• Parks employs a poetic and rhythmic language that blends vernacular speech, wordplay, and repetition
• She creates a unique and compelling linguistic landscape that reflects the characters' experiences, emotions, and cultural background
• The play's dialogue is characterized by rapid-fire exchanges, overlapping lines, and unfinished thoughts, reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and the fractured nature of their communication
• Parks' use of language challenges traditional theatrical conventions and invites the audience to engage with the play on a visceral and emotional level

Absurdism and Surrealism

• Parks incorporates elements of absurdism and surrealism into the play's structure
• She blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, challenging traditional narrative conventions and creating a sense of unease and disorientation
• The play's minimalist set design and use of symbolic props, such as the cardboard cutout of Abraham Lincoln, contribute to its theatricality and the characters' psychological states
• Parks' use of absurdist and surrealist techniques underscores the characters' struggles to make sense of their lives and the world around them, highlighting the absurdity of societal norms and expectations

Cyclical and Repetitive Structure

• Parks employs a cyclical and repetitive structure, with certain scenes and motifs recurring throughout the play
• This structure underscores the characters' inability to escape their patterns of behavior and the inescapable nature of their fate
• The repetition of themes and actions emphasizes the characters' entrapment within their circumstances and the difficulty of breaking free from the cycles of poverty, violence, and trauma
• The play's ending, with its shocking and abrupt violence, subverts audience expectations and forces a confrontation with the harsh realities of the characters' lives, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer

Parks' Influence on African American Theater

Pioneering Figure and Boundary-Pusher

• Suzan-Lori Parks is considered a pioneering figure in contemporary African American theater
• She is known for her bold experimentation with form, language, and subject matter, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on stage
• Her plays, including Topdog/Underdog, challenge traditional narratives and representations of black identity, offering complex and nuanced portrayals of African American experiences
• Parks' work has paved the way for a new generation of African American playwrights who continue to explore themes of race, identity, and social justice in innovative and thought-provoking ways

Inspiring Artistic Innovation

• Parks' innovative use of language and structure has inspired other playwrights to experiment with form and to create works that are both politically engaged and artistically daring
• Her plays demonstrate the power of theater to challenge societal norms, provoke critical thinking, and inspire social change
• Parks' success and critical acclaim, including her Pulitzer Prize for Topdog/Underdog, have helped to increase the visibility and recognition of African American theater in the mainstream
• Her influence extends beyond the stage, as her works have been adapted into films and have sparked important conversations about race, representation, and the role of art in social commentary

Sparking Conversations and Social Change

• Parks' plays have sparked important conversations about race, representation, and the role of art in social change
• Her works challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about American society, particularly in relation to the ongoing legacy of racism and inequality
• By giving voice to marginalized experiences and perspectives, Parks' plays contribute to a broader cultural dialogue about identity, justice, and the need for systemic change
• Her influence has helped to create a more inclusive and diverse theatrical landscape, one that celebrates the richness and complexity of African American stories and experiences