alphabetical author index

Covenant

  • York Walker
  • Full Length Play, Drama, 1930s
  • 1M, 4F
  • ISBN: 9780573711213

Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth.

  • Full Length Play
  • Drama
  • 90 minutes

  • Time Period: 1930s
  • Target Audience: Adult
  • Set Requirements: Unit Set/Multiple Settings
  • Cautions: Alcohol, Mild Adult Themes, Strong Language

  • Performance Group:
  • College Theatre / Student, Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre
Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius.

Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth.

REVIEWS:

"Auspicious... a striking new Southern Gothic work."

 The New York Times

"Undeniably spooky. Absolutely enjoyable. You'll be frightened in the best way possible."

 Theatermania

"Briskly entertaining food for thought about the demons that haunt us all."

 The New York Sun

"Devilish... In Walker’s eyes, possession and exorcism aren't so much main events as they are context: for how the Jim Crow era amplifies the tension between religious practices and the hope of the modern world; how Black families’ relationship with religion can sow deep, generational pain, prioritizing salvation over love; how abuse haunts the characters’ lives; and how easily one can conflate love and possession."

 New York Theatre Guide

"A striking new Southern gothic work… Covenant is an auspicious New York debut for a playwright who clearly has a gift for richly textured work."

 The New York Times

"Blackout-and-blood-curdling-scream deliciousness."

 New York Magazine

Premiere Production: Covenant premiered off-Broadway at Roundabout Theater Company’s Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre on October 5, 2023. Directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, the production featured Crystal Dickinson, Chaundre Hall-Broomfield, Ashley N. Hildreth, Jade Payton and Lark White.
  • Casting: 1M, 4F
  • Casting Attributes: Role(s) for Black Actor(s), Ensemble cast

  • RUTHIE – Black woman, 19, the innocent one, obsessed with love or the idea of it.
    VIOLET – Black woman, 19, Ruthie’s best friend, black sheep of the family, loves her older sister Avery fiercely.
    AVERY – Black woman, 24, dreams of seeing the world outside of this town, a woman coming into her own and terrified.
    MAMA – Black woman, early 40s, Violet and Avery’s mother, full of regret, the only thing holding her world together is her love for Avery and her belief in God.
    JOHNNY “HONEYCOMB” JAMES – Black man, 24, guitar player, local celebrity, awkward youth turned ladies man. Has been in love with Avery since he was 12 years old.
  • Name Price
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    Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius.

    Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth.

    $24.95