Relativity is a play by Cassandra Medley. Originally commissioned by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in 2000.Kelley, Rich. "Cassandra Medley on Writing Plays About Science, Belief Systems, Making Choices, Harbored Racism, Fracking, and Coming Up for Air." Ensemble Studio Theatre, March 26, 2017. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/est-blog-1/2017/3/26/cassandra-medley-on-writing-plays-about-science-belief-systems-making-choices-harbored-racism-fracking-and-coming-up-for-air. The play had its world premiere at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco, running from May 5 - June 20, 2004.SFGATE. “NEW ONSTAGE.” SFGATE, May 2, 2004. https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/NEW-ONSTAGE-2762783.php. The play was subsequently produced Off-Broadway by the Ensemble Studio Theatre running April 26 - May 14, 2006.Medley, Cassandra. Relativity. Directed by Talvin Wilks. Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York, April 26–May 14, 2006. https://www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/new-events-48/2006/4/26/relativity-by-cassandra-medley. The following year, the play made its southern premiere at the Southern Rep in New Orleans, Louisiana. Relativity won the 2006 August Wilson Playwriting Award.
The play follows Kalima, a young molecular geneticist at Johns Hopkins University whose research challenges her late father's notion of melanin theory, which posits that higher concentrations of melanin confer superior mental, physical, and spiritual attributes to people of color. Kalima's mother, Claire, remains a staunch advocate for her husband's work and is preparing to publish a book based on his findings. As Kalima's scientific discoveries contradict her family's legacy, she faces a profound ethical dilemma.
Plot Relativity follows Kalima, a young molecular geneticist at Johns Hopkins University, who finds herself at odds with her mother, Claire, over a controversial scientific theory. Claire, a staunch advocate of her late husband's research, upholds the belief that higher concentrations of melanin in individuals of African descent confer superior mental, physical, and spiritual attributes. She is preparing to publish a book promoting this theory. Kalima's own scientific findings, however, contradict this perspective, placing her in a moral quandary: should she challenge her family's legacy and potentially strain her relationship with her mother, or remain silent and compromise her scientific integrity? The play further complicates this dynamic by introducing Irma, Kalima's mentor, who urges her to publicly refute Claire's theory, and two male characters—friends and fellow scientists—who represent differing viewpoints in the debate. These characters serve to highlight the broader societal and ethical implications of the central conflict.
Characters Claire Kalima Malik Dan Leon Iris
Production history Magic Theatre Relativity had its world premiere at the Magic Theatre in San Francisco in 2004. Directed by Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe, the cast featured Crystal Noelle, Tonia Jackson, James Cutts, Jaxy Boyd, and Mujahid Abdul-Rashid.Connema, Richard. "Magic Theatre Production of Relativity is an African American Proof." Talkin' Broadway, October 22, 2004. https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/sanfran/s482.html.
Ensemble Studio Theatre Relativity was subsequently produced Off-Broadway at the Ensemble Studio Theatre in 2006, running from April 26 - May 14. Directed by Talvin Wilks, the cast featured Melanie Nicholls-King, Anthony Craine, Elain Graham, Petronia Paley, and Kim Sullivan. The creative team included Maruti Evans (sets and lighting), Clint Ramos (costumes), Graham Johnson (lighting), and Maya Ciarrocchi (projections).Medley, Cassandra. Relativity. Directed by Talvin Wilks. Ensemble Studio Theatre, New York, April 26–May 14, 2006. https://www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/new-events-48/2006/4/26/relativity-by-cassandra-medley.
Southern Rep Relativity had its southern premiere at the Southern Rep in New Orleans, Louisiana, running May 30 through June 24, 2007. Directed by Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe, the cast featured Troi Bechet, Trey Burvant, Donna Duplantier, Sharon London, and Lance Nichols. The creative team included Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay (sets), Marty Sachs (sound & lights), and Michelle Bohn (costumes).Marszalek, Keith I. "Southern Rep to Open Southern Premiere of Relativity by Cassandra Medley." NOLA.com, [Publication Date Unknown]. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/southern-rep-to-open-southern-premiere-of-relativity-by-cassandra-medley/article_c41ec9c2-815e-5c63-9687-c38fc174c2b4.html.
L.A. Theatre Works In 2008, Relativity was adapted for radio by L.A. Theatre Works. Directed by Stuart K. Robinson, the cast featured Judyann Elder, Deidrie Henry, James Pickens Jr., Jason Ritter, Terrell Tilford, and Lorraine Toussaint.Medley, Cassandra. Relativity. Directed by Stuart K. Robinson. Performed by Judyann Elder, Deidrie Henry, James Pickens Jr., Jason Ritter, Terrell Tilford, and Lorraine Toussaint. L.A. Theatre Works, 2008. Accessed May 25, 2025. https://latw.org/title/relativity.
Relativity was subsequently published by Broadway Play Publishing, and has been performed across the United States.Concord Theatricals. "Ma Rose." Accessed May 25, 2025. https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/4744/ma-rose.
Reception The play's San Francisco received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Medley's writing, Wilks' direction, and the ensemble of actors. In reviewing the Magic Theatre production, Robert Hurwitt of The San Francisco Chronicle observed
Reviews for the Off-Broadway production were slightly more mixed, with Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times noting
Awards YearAssociation CategoryRecipientResult Ref. 2006 AUDELCO Dramatic Production Of The Year Ensemble Studio Theatre 2006 AUDELCO August Wilson Playwriting Award Cassandra Medley 2006 AUDELCO Best Director Talvin Wilks
References