The Break (play)

The Break is a play written by American playwright Kia Corthron. First produced in 1999, the play explores issues of race, class, and language within the context of the American educational system.

The central character is an African-American teenager named Junior who attends a predominantly white, affluent private school on scholarship. The play follows Junior's experiences as he navigates the challenges of being a minority student in an environment where he feels both privileged and alienated. He faces pressure to conform to the dominant culture while also grappling with his own identity and the expectations of his family and community.

Corthron's play uses heightened language and theatrical techniques to examine the systemic inequalities that persist in education and society. It addresses themes of assimilation, cultural identity, code-switching, and the burden of representation. The play often employs stylized dialogue and rhythmic patterns to reflect the characters' inner thoughts and the pressures they face. The Break delves into the complex dynamics of race and privilege and their impact on individual lives.

The play has been produced by various theater companies and universities and is often used in educational settings to spark discussion about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.