Covenant

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Covenant

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  4w, 1m

York Walker

Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumour and truth.

Image: 2023 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)

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Covenant

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    4w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Fable/Folktale
  • Suggested Use
    • Monologues
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town a blues star, sparking rumours that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumour and truth.

History
Covenant premiered off-Broadway at Roundabout Theater Company’s Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre on 5 October 2023. Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, the production featured Crystal Dickinson, Chaundre Hall-Broomfield, Ashley N. Hildreth, Jade Payton and Lark White.
Keywords
Performing Groups
RUTHIE – Black woman, 19, the innocent one, obsessed with love or the idea of it.
VIOLET – Black woman, 19, Ruthie’s best friend, black sheep of the family, loves her older sister Avery fiercely.
AVERY – Black woman, 24, dreams of seeing the world outside of this town, a woman coming into her own and terrified.
MAMA – Black woman, early 40s, Violet and Avery’s mother, full of regret, the only thing holding her world together is her love for Avery and her belief in God.
JOHNNY “HONEYCOMB” JAMES – Black man, 24, guitar player, local celebrity, awkward youth turned ladies man. Has been in love with Avery since he was 12 years old.
  • Time Period 1930s
  • Setting

    A small town in Georgia. 1936.

  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol

Media

“Auspicious... a striking new Southern Gothic work.” – The New York Times

“Undeniably spooky. Absolutely enjoyable. You'll be frightened in the best way possible.” – Theatermania

“Briskly entertaining food for thought about the demons that haunt us all.” – The New York Sun

★★★★ “Devilish... In Walker’s eyes, possession and exorcism aren't so much main events as they are context: for how the Jim Crow era amplifies the tension between religious practices and the hope of the modern world; how Black families’ relationship with religion can sow deep, generational pain, prioritizing salvation over love; how abuse haunts the characters’ lives; and how easily one can conflate love and possession.” – New York Theatre Guide

“A striking new Southern gothic work… Covenant is an auspicious New York debut for a playwright who clearly has a gift for richly textured work.” – The New York Times

“Blackout-and-blood-curdling-scream deliciousness.” – New York Magazine

Videos

  • Covenant – Roundabout Theater Company Teaser youtube thumbnail

    Covenant – Roundabout Theater Company Teaser

  • Covenant – Theatre Talk, Roundabout Theater Company youtube thumbnail

    Covenant – Theatre Talk, Roundabout Theater Company

  • Covenant – Audience Reactions, Goodman Theatre youtube thumbnail

    Covenant – Audience Reactions, Goodman Theatre

  • Covenant – Scene from the Show at the Goodman Theatre youtube thumbnail

    Covenant – Scene from the Show at the Goodman Theatre

Photos

  • Covenant

    Image: 2023 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Covenant

    Image: 2023 Roundabout Theatre Company Production (Joan Marcus)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

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