Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury is praised for its bold narrative and innovative theatrical techniques, with critics highlighting its potent commentary on race and privilege. The play's confrontational style and unexpected twists are noted as both strengths and sources of discomfort. Some reviewers found its daring approach refreshing, while others found it challenging.

Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury will captivate readers interested in provocative, groundbreaking plays that dissect race, privilege, and societal norms. Fans of works like Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett will appreciate its raw, insightful narrative.

Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury centers on the Frasier family's preparation for their matriarch's birthday. Initially, the play appears as a family drama, but it evolves to scrutinize the impact of the white gaze on Black identity and theater, breaking traditional audience-performer dynamics and challenging viewers' preconceived notions of race. The play includes themes related to racism and stereotypical representations of Black individuals.

Challenging / Unnerving / Contemplative / Dark / Emotional

- Fairview won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, making Jackie Sibblies Drury one of the few African American women to receive this prestigious award in theater.
- The play explores themes of race and perception in a unique and interactive format, prompting audiences to reflect on their own viewpoints and biases.
- Fairview was first commissioned and produced by Soho Rep in New York City, a theater known for developing new works and supporting innovative playwrights.

**Beverly**  
The protagonist in the onstage family drama, Beverly is focused on planning the perfect birthday dinner for her mother while managing her family's antics and pushing her daughter Keisha to follow family tradition.

**Dayton**  
Beverly's supportive husband, who balances her perfectionism with humor and care, assists with the birthday preparations, and occasionally clashes with Beverly's sister, Jasmine.

**Jasmine**  
Beverly's sister, who often complicates Beverly's plans, maintains a close bond with her niece Keisha, and becomes involved in the family's comical and dramatic interactions.

**Keisha**  
Beverly and Dayton's high-achieving daughter, who is on the brink of graduating high school and grapples with family expectations as she navigates her future.

**Suze/Mama**  
One of the white characters who intrudes on the onstage play, Suze is socially aware but often inadvertently perpetuates racial stereotypes, taking on the role of Mama during the family dinner.

**Jimbo/Tyrone**  
An intruding character who combines ignorance and entitlement, disrupting the play's narrative with reckless plot twists as he assumes the role of Tyrone in the family setting.

**Mack/Erika**  
A character who projects seemingly educated yet shallow racial views and inserts chaos into the play as Erika, adding to the complex family dynamics.

**Bets/Mama**  
The last of the white intruding characters, who dismisses the complexities of race due to limited experience and overplays the role of Mama, contributing to the play's multifaceted conflicts.

Jackie Sibblies Drury

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Fairview

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