By the River Rivanna

playwrights 6 · Ages 16+ · 2hrs

world premiere

A young Black man embarks on an emotional journey to understand his heritage that takes him back to the Virginia plantation where his ancestor lived as an enslaved person. As the story of his great-great-great-great grandmother unfolds as told through her journal, the revelation of secrets deeply disturbs him and forces him to confront his own identity. With dance, vivid imagery and powerful storytelling, this drama explores themes of identity, love and forgiveness during a shameful period in American history.

Production Team


g. bruce smith 

playwright/producer