André de Shields in “A Father’s Sorrow,” written by Shaka Senghor, based on conversations with Elder Qualls, whose son was given a (now-unconstitutional) sentence of lifetime without parole at the age of 16

Ato Blankson-Wood performed “Elder’s Sun,” written by Lemon Andersen, based on conversations with Yusef Qualls, a poet and artist currently serving a life sentence without parole in Michigan

Alex Hernandez in “Como se dice, Break Legs?” written by Tony Meneses, based on conversations with Martin Garcia, a formerly incarcerated advocate at Worth Rises and from Queens, New York.

Deirdre O’Connell in “The Navigator,” written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen. based on conversations with Mary Heinen McPherson, a directly-affected artivist in Michigan.

Jelani Alladin performed “THE DECLARATION OF ANTHONY SWAIN,” written by Hilary Bettis, based on the sworn declaration of Anthony Swain, a paraplegic man jailed in Metro West Detention Center in Miami, Florida, who just tested positive for COVID.

Rebecca Naomi Jones, in “June” by Lynn Nottage, based on conversations with the sister of Lulu Benson, an incarcerated woman who died of COVID.

‘We have a humanitarian crisis in prison that will blow up in our faces,” says André De Shields, speaking sonorously and looking grave in a clerical collar and a salt-and-pepper beard, as the character in Shakira Senghor’s play ‘A Father’s Sorrow.’ It is one of the 15 new plays in “COVID and Incarceration,” a special edition this week of the 24 Hour Plays’ online Viral Monologues.
The collection of online video monologues is in some ways extraordinary, profound, demonstrating the power of theater in times of crisis. But it is also challenging, tricky and ultimately overwhelming — frankly a struggle to get through.

Full review on DC Theatre Scene