Appropriate By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins

Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this contemporary American play deals with a dysfunctional family that’s coming together after the death of the patriarch.

Director Wesley Enoch says, “At the heart of it is a comment on America and on America’s theatrical tradition,” and audience members will recognise references in the play to Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, The Cherry Orchard, and The Death Of A Salesman, among others.

Enoch explains that although the play has only white characters, “race is not just a black issue, it’s also a white issue and the responsibilities for these conversations can lay in the white characters’ mouths as well.”

He points out that the title can be pronounced, and therefore taken, in two ways.

You can either use “appropriate” to mean “suitable,” or you can pronounce it “appropriate” with the emphasis on the “ate” to mean to steal something.

There are three layers to the production that he wants audiences to enjoy.

Firstly is the very black comedy of the piece.

Then he wants them to “understand the metaphor and the commentary on America.”

And thirdly, he says, “I also want them to recognise there are similarities with this country that I want them to think about.”

Mar 20-Apr 10. Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $49-$99+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.sydneytheatre.com.au