"A wildly imaginative new work. "An Octoroon" might induce vertigo, but it insists that making theater can be the best way to talk back to history."--"Village Voice""Mr. Jacobs-Jenkins, an attentive student of theater history, knows that in plays, a carefully chosen catalyst can make people reveal themselves with exaggerated clarity, so that characters become their own caricatures."--"New York Times"In 1859, Irish writer Dion Bouciault penned "The Octoroon," a melodrama about America and slavery. One hundred and fifty five years later, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins tries to write his own version. In this bombastic, theatrical investigation of theater, race, and identity politics, an old play gives way to a startlingly contemporary piece that's firmly about us--here and now.The themes of racial politics in history and the pervasive part they play in modern society permeate much of this young, astute playwright's astounding work.

This collection also includes the acclaimed plays "Neighbors" and "Appropriate." Together, these works challenge what makes contemporary society comfortable and reject the notion that it should be.Three astonishing breakout plays from one of theater's most exciting and provocative young writers.Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's plays include "An Octoroon," "Neighbors," "Appropriate," "Gloria," and "War." He is a playwright-in-residence at Signature Theatre. Recent honors include a 2014 Obie Award for Best New American Play ("An Octoroon" and "Appropriate").