The world premiere of Donja R. Love's drama Sugar in Our Wounds has extended an additional week and will now continue through July 15. The Manhattan Theatre Club production, which officially opened June 19, is currently playing in The Studio at Stage II – Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series at New York City Center – Stage II.
In the Civil War-set Sugar in Our Wounds, a mystical tree stretches toward heaven and protects James, a young slave who reads newspapers about the imminent possibility of freedom. When a brooding stranger arrives, James and his makeshift family take the man in—the start of an unexpected bond and striking romance.
The play, which is the recipient of the prestigious Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Award, is part of Love's trilogy of plays that explores queer love at pivotal moments in Black history.
Saheem Ali directs a cast led by Sheldon Best, who plays James, as well as Stephanie Berry as Aunt Mama, Fern Cozine as Isabel, Tiffany Rachelle Stewart as Mattie, and Chinaza Uche as Henry.
The creative team for the world premiere of Sugar in Our Wounds is made up of Arnulfo Maldonado (scenic design), Dede Ayite (costume design), Jason Lyons (lighting design), Palmer Hefferan (sound design), Michael Thurber (original music), Darrell Grand Moultrie (movement), and Cookie Jordan (hair and makeup design). Performances began June 5.