The Submission
by Jeff Talbott
directed by David Elliott
presented by the Olney Theatre Center
with Ari Butler, Frank DeJulio, Craig Dolezel, Kellee K. Hough
The play centers around Danny who has submitted his play - a complex and hard-hitting new drama about an African American family trying to get out of the Projects – to the nation’s preeminent play festival. In the hope of increasing its chances for selection, he submitted the work under a pen name, Shaleeha G’ntamobi. Much to his surprise, his play is selected. The problem? Danny is a young, white, gay playwright… he decides he must hire Emilie, a black actress, to reluctantly agree to stand in for him as the play’s author. Her dilemma is that she recognizes the play should be done. It’s that good - and inexplicably so authentic. Danny’s plan is that Emilie will reveal him to be the author on opening night.That is not what happens…
Jeff’s play asks: how do we really perceive people of other races, cultures and sexual orientations? What would it take to make someone reveal his or her inner prejudices? Once a work of art is presented to the world, who owns it? The audience? The artist?
This was an incredibly hard play to do and tremendously rewarding. I had a great cast, and the Olney took great care of the show. Bill Clarke, with whom we had worked with many times at Perry Street (and since) designed the costumes and set and the brilliant lighting designer, Chris Dallos, came ‘out of theatrical retirement’ to light the show for me.
“4.5 out of 5 stars” … this riveting drama spins a fast-paced story that delves into the recesses of political correctness regarding race and sexuality in the world of writing a play”. - DC Metro Theatre Arts
“The Olney Theatre has proven itself more than capable of producing a bold, entertaining and thought-provoking work” - TheatreGuideMD
“Jeff Talbott flexed his writing muscles in The Submission that throws political correctness out the window in a provocative, daring, fast-paced play. Director David Elliott deftly allows the four-member ensemble to perform with both intensity and restraint among a cornucopia of emotions contained in Talbott’s script.” - - OUTSpoken