Clybourne Park Play Analysis

Clybourne Park was definitely a different play, probably none like I have ever seen before. This was mainly due to the amount of cuss words I heard throughout the play. I feel like this was to play on the audience’s uneasiness, especially when they were firing racist jokes at each other. A compelling play from start to finish, Norris really knew how to put on a show. With a play that touched on so many topics, I will just discuss the important ones. Therefore, I will discuss the world of the play, its theme, and my overall review. In this play, we have two different settings, but with similarities. Nonetheless, they both take place in a middle-class neighborhood in Chicago of Clybourne Park, hence the name. In the first act, the setting

Bruce Norris, the playwright says this himself, saying “In Clybourne Park, the First Act is a tragedy and the second part is a comedy because the people in the First Act all understand each other much more than the people do in the Second Act. In the Second Act everyone makes assumptions.” He speaks the truth. It is true that people back then were incredibly racist, but their thoughts were words, and they did not care to regulate any of that. These days almost anything can offend anyone, so people watch what they say. Today, people are trying to act as if racism never existed, but denying that means denying history, so that is completely wrong. Additionally, this play touches on the ideas of gentrification, and how the children affected from the white flight are growing up and moving back into their homes. This play talks a great deal about life, and how suicide does not end the suffering of one person, but instead that suffering is pushed on to those affected. There is no point living life full of grief like Russ, and there is definitely no reason to be so obnoxious like Karl. Accepts others for who they are and be the best person you can