Peace, Rage, and Humor in ‘Bust’
Feb 13, 2025
There is a new play called "Bust" by Zora Howard. It will be shown at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta from February 13 to March 16 and then go to the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The story is about two friends, Retta and Reggie, who are having a nice evening on their porch. But their fun is interrupted when they see something happen between a neighbor and the police.
Zora Howard, the writer, wants the audience to relate to familiar scenes. Yet, she adds unexpected twists that surprise everyone. She said things happen often to Black people, but in the play, something unusual changes everything!
Zora worked with a director named Lileana Blain-Cruz, whom she admires. Even though they had never met before, they felt a strong connection. During the pandemic, they spent time together in a peaceful place called Cape Cod. There, they thought about the struggles in the world and how to bring both calm and upset feelings into their play.
Zora compares making a play to building with blocks. She likes to mix things up to create something special and strong. Additionally, she believes laughter is important. Sometimes, when life is hard, humor helps keep spirits high.
Zora wants this play to be a safe space where people can feel many emotions—sadness and joy—at the same time. It's a big challenge, but she hopes to bring it to life through "Bust."
This play is not just a show; it’s about understanding feelings, friendships, and life's surprises. It reminds us that even in tough times, we can find a way to laugh and keep going. So, if you want to see something new and exciting, "Bust" could be a wonderful adventure!