VISION | Playwright | Andrea E. Davis

A Love Like Damien’s is a story which has begun my life’s work of attempting to bridge the gap between my theological study and the realities of my community. I can no longer simply ponder the theological implications of the poverty, racism, gender oppression, homophobia, classism, etc. that thrive around me. I must put into practice a Christianity that has moral implications in the political realm – not just in my personal life. Writing this play is my first attempt at doing this. Although Damien’s dilemma is about a personal issue, i.e. his sexual orientation, his church’s inability to confront the issue and accept him reflects a history of American slavery and the exploitation of Black bodies, hypersexual depictions of Black bodies throughout American history, and an adoption of heterosexist and patriarchal norms enforced by the oppressive, dominant culture.

A Love Like Damien’s tells a common story, for whether we know it or not, all of us know someone who loves like Damien. Whether it is that aunt who was never married, or that uncle who always brought a “friend” to the family reunion; whether it be the flamboyant choir director of our grandmother’s church, or us ourselves, it is undeniable that Damien’s story is played out again and again, to different degrees and with different endings, by many in our community. This story also defies myths: There is the myth that says Black people are fundamentally homophobic. Characters such as Clem and Pastor, who wish to usher tolerance into the church (even if they are unclear how) challenge this lie. Also, including scenes in which two Black men are sensuous and affectionate with one another counters the stereotype of the stoic, womanizing, hyper-masculine Black male. My desire in writing this story was to challenge a one-dimensional perspective of Black people, particularly with regards to sexuality; my hope is that we see ourselves in it, and can have compassion for Damien.

I hope that I have been critical, yet appreciative, of Black Christian culture. And I hope that the story is one that anyone who has ever felt rejected by religion can relate to.

Andrea Davis