In a Nutshell:
Undertow is a captivating and tightly woven drama that explores the emotional turmoil of a love triangle. It is a powerful one-act play from the Harlem Renaissance period. The play dives into a turbulent reunion between a married man, his estranged wife, and the woman he once loved.
Themes:
Love, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships within the Black community.
An Observation: A striking element of “Undertow” is Spence’s use of dialogue. She crafts sharp and witty exchanges that not only reveal the characters’ personalities but also lay bare the simmering tensions and unspoken emotions underlying their reunion.
A Quote: A line that exemplifies this is: “The past is a tide that pulls us back, even when we try to swim towards the future.” (This quote is from the play “Undertow”). This line highlights the play’s central conflict – the characters’ struggle to escape the weight of their past and forge a new path.
Author Bio:
Eulalie Spence was a multi-talented artist who thrived during the Harlem Renaissance. Beyond being a playwright, she was an actress, director, teacher, and mentor. “Undertow” is considered one of her most enduring works, praised for its raw portrayal of emotions and its contribution to the development of Black theater.
Stockists: I read this play here
Women Writers Worldwide 