A slave's freedom costs more than chains in this devastating ten-minute reckoning.
In the final days of the American Civil War, Ishmael prepares to leave his life as a slave for freedom. However, before he departs, he has to end the problematic sexual relationship with his master, Mr. Charlie, in order to fully survive in the new world as whole as he can be. Adapted by queer black-Filipino playwright Roger Q. Mason from his original stage play, SOFTER uses a historical lens in order to explore contemporary issues of consent and race within the LGBT community.
Acting
Carter's restraint speaks volumes; Cosnett's fragility unnerves.
Writing
Mason's stage roots make every word land like a blow.
Director
Lovell Holder
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mason wrote this after noticing how queer spaces often replicate racial power dynamics they claim to reject.
The 10-minute runtime mirrors the 1865 collapse of Confederate Georgia—freedom declared, but not yet delivered.
US
