Sarah Jones's New Play 'America, Who Hurt You?' Opens in New York

Sarah Jones, an actress and writer, has unveiled her latest play, 'America, Who Hurt You?', which will be staged at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in New York from September 10 to 27. Directed by Eric Ting and produced by the National Black Theatre alongside Theatre for a New Audience, the work delves into Jones's intricate feelings towards the United States, which she likens to heartbreak. A Tony Award winner for her inaugural piece 'Bridge & Tunnel', Jones reflects on her evolution from a Queens, New York upbringing to performing at prestigious venues like the White House and the World Economic Forum. She identifies the 2024 election, the backlash against DEI initiatives, and the #MeToo movement as pivotal influences for her play. This piece continues her investigation into social justice, following her second solo performance, 'Sell/Buy/Date', which tackled the sex industry. In an essay for Vogue, she expresses her disappointment with America's unfulfilled promises, contrasting this with her family's varied background and her own achievements. The play serves as a therapeutic dialogue for the nation, questioning whether Americans are prepared to confront historical realities and strive for healing.