“Sally & Tom” is a play that echoes recent theatrical hits like “Hamilton” and “Slave Play” with its multiracial cast, exploration of interracial and queer intimacy, and emphasis on race’s psychosexual dimension. The play includes discussions between white and Black cast members reflecting on the relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. There are jokes about nontraditional casting and the complexities of racial discourse that challenge easy assumptions about race. Playwright Parks asks audiences to consider the ways race confounds easy accounting and invites them to reckon with uncomfortable truths.
In a scene from Luce’s play within the play, Sally begs Jefferson not to send her family away, and he attempts to express affection for her. However, the resulting exchange raises questions about power dynamics and the complexities of emotions in a relationship tainted by slavery. Parks presents a nuanced exploration of Sally and Jefferson’s connection that raises questions about the nature of their feelings and the impact of their respective positions. The scene challenges audiences to consider the nature of love and gratitude in the context of an unequal relationship.
In March, Parks performed at Manhattan’s Rockwood Music Hall with her band, Sula and the Joyful Noise, showcasing her musical talents. Parks, who has played piano since childhood and incorporates music into her plays, is a dynamic presence on stage. She performs with energy and charisma, embodying different personae and delivering powerful messages through her music. Parks creates a welcoming space for a diverse audience, evoking the spirit of a runaway slave in her lyrics and inviting all to join in the music. Her performance embodies the idea of “e pluribus unum” from the perspective of the American underside.
The band’s live performance, filled with a multiracial and multigenerational group of friends and fans, highlights Parks’s ability to create inclusive spaces through her music. Parks’s stage presence, with her electric guitar and unique sense of style, captivates audiences and invites them to engage with her provocative lyrics and messages. Her music, infused with a blend of genres and influences, showcases her creativity and artistry, offering a powerful platform for storytelling and social commentary. The band’s performance is a testament to the idea of unity through diversity and the transformative power of music.
Overall, “Sally & Tom” and Parks’s music performance at Rockwood Music Hall highlight her talent for creating thought-provoking and inclusive artistic experiences. By blending elements of history, race, and gender with humor and music, Parks challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with complex emotions. Through her work, Parks invites reflection on the intersection of art and social issues, pushing boundaries and encouraging dialogue. Her artistic endeavors serve as a powerful voice for marginalized perspectives and offer a platform for diverse voices to be heard.
