Philly's InterAct Theatre Explores Murky Family Histories in 'Plantation Black'

The world premiere play by Phaedra Michelle Scott examines the phenomenon of 'heirs' land' and how it can lead to tangled real estate titles across generations.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The world premiere play 'Plantation Black' at Philadelphia's InterAct Theatre explores the complex history of land ownership and inheritance, particularly for Black Americans descended from enslaved individuals. Playwright Phaedra Michelle Scott based the play on the phenomenon of 'heirs' land,' where land is passed down informally through generations without wills or probate court, leading to murky legal ownership. The play's nonlinear structure is designed to mirror the fragmented way history is often learned, with the audience experiencing scenes in a randomized order to challenge their perceptions of the characters.

Why it matters

The play sheds light on an important issue affecting many Black families in the U.S., particularly in the South, where land was often obtained by freed slaves after the Civil War. The informal passing down of property through generations can result in tangled real estate titles and land loss, a major problem that disproportionately impacts the Black community. By exploring this history through the lens of a fictional family, 'Plantation Black' aims to educate audiences about this little-known phenomenon.

The details

The play centers around a family with roots tracing back to a plantation at the end of the Civil War. In the present day, their descendants are grappling with the murky legal ownership of the land. To reflect the fragmented nature of how history is often learned, the play's structure randomizes the order in which the audience experiences the scenes, with a ball drum in the lobby spinning colored balls that correspond to different moments in the story. This nonlinear approach is intended to challenge the audience's perceptions of the characters as they shift between hero and villain depending on the order of the scenes.

  • The play 'Plantation Black' is having its world premiere at the InterAct Theatre in Philadelphia.
  • The play runs at the Drake Theater until March 1, 2026.

The players

Phaedra Michelle Scott

The playwright of 'Plantation Black' and a native of Wilmington, Delaware who studied history in college.

Kimille Howard

The director of 'Plantation Black' who worked with Scott to develop the play's nonlinear structure.

Big Mom

A character in the play portrayed by actor Lenny Daniels, who represents the family's matriarch and connection to the land's history.

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What they’re saying

“They say when you dig deep enough, all you find is blood,”

— Big Mom (Plantation Black)

“When you make yourself keep digging and digging and digging, ripping out the intestines of the Earth, I don't think you find blood. You find answers.”

— Big Mom (Plantation Black)

What’s next

The play 'Plantation Black' will continue its run at the InterAct Theatre in Philadelphia through March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

By exploring the complex history of 'heirs' land' and its impact on Black families, 'Plantation Black' sheds light on an important issue that has led to the disproportionate loss of land ownership in many Black communities. The play's innovative structure challenges audiences to reconsider how they perceive history and the fragmented nature of piecing together the past.