Aleshea Harris’s bold play, ‘Is God Is’, confronts the harrowing reality of Black femicide with unflinching clarity. As high-profile cases continue to surface, this work serves as a vital commentary on the systemic violence faced by Black women. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths; instead, it invites the audience to grapple with the intersection of race, gender, and the pervasive cultural narratives that have often relegated Black women to the margins.
In exploring the complex relationship between the Black church and its women, ‘Is God Is’ illuminates the ways in which faith has been both a refuge and a battleground. Harris deftly navigates the terrain of spirituality and survival, challenging us to reconsider how holiness is often tied to endurance, particularly for Black women. The characters in this play embody a raw resilience, casting aside the trope of passive suffering to reclaim their narratives and demand justice.
The film canon has long asked Black women to interpret their experiences through the lens of spiritual perseverance, yet Harris flips this script. ‘Is God Is’ isn’t just a reflection of endurance; it’s a call to action. It implores us to acknowledge the pain and trauma while also celebrating the fierce strength that rises from it. In a world where Black femicide is too often overlooked, this play forces us to confront these realities head-on and to recognize the sacred in the fight for life and dignity.
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