The America Play at The Wilma Theater

A Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator named the “Foundling Father” runs “The Great Hole of History,” a tourist attraction where visitors can meet other historical lookalikes. The poetic repetition and evocative jazz-like style of this canonic text mimics the harmful patterns and toxic ideologies perpetuated throughout American history. ‘The America Play’ is a daring exploration of the fractured stories that shape our nation from one of our most prominent American playwrights, Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner, Suzan-Lori Parks. Directed by HotHouse Member and Co-Artistic Director Lindsay Smiling (The Half-God of Rainfall), this play challenges us to redefine what it means to be American in the context of our current political landscape. The Wilma’s HotHouse ensemble brings this imaginative work to life, creating a space for active dialogue, catharsis, and deep connection with the audience.