Cane Cane was developed at Victory Gardens Theater as part of the
Michael and Marianne O'Shaughnessy Playwright Development Program.
It is the stage adaptation of Jean Toomer’s 1923 novel
of the same name.
A patchwork of stories, poems, and dramatic interludes, the novel
was considered a landmark work of the Harlem Renaissance, the
period of artistic blossoming in the 1920’s when black
intellectuals began to explore their identity. The play brings
the novel to life by featuring 10 actors in nearly 40 roles in
a blend of drama, dance and music including old spirituals and
a capella songs connected by the lyrical, rhythmic, vaguely hallucinatory
voice of the author.
Production Requirements:
Cast requirements: 7 men (1 Caucasian), 3 women
Set requirements: Unit Set, various locations.
Approximate running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Production History:
• Victory Gardens Theater, 1991
