Cane was developed at Victory Gardens Theater as part of the Michael and Marianne O’Shaughnessy Playwright Development Program. It is the stage adaptation of Jean Toomer’s 1923 novel of the same name.

A patchwork of stories, poems, and dramatic interludes, the novel was considered a landmark work of the Harlem Renaissance, the period of artistic blossoming in the 1920’s when black intellectuals began to explore their identity. The play brings the novel to life by featuring 10 actors in nearly 40 roles in a blend of drama, dance and music including old spirituals and a capella songs connected by the lyrical, rhythmic, vaguely hallucinatory voice of the author.

Production Requirements:

Cast requirements: 7 men (1 Caucasian), 3 women
Set requirements: Unit Set, various locations.
Approximate running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes