Amenah Saloura
Prof. Craig Rosen
THE105-301
5th March, 2023
Pipeline Analysis Critique "Pipeline" by Dominique Morisseau is a powerful and thought-provoking play that tackles the pressing social issue of the "school-to-prison pipeline." The play centers around Nya, a dedicated public high school teacher, and her son Omari, who attends a private school. When Omari is involved in a confrontation with a teacher that leads to his suspension, Nya is forced to confront the challenges facing young black men in America and the ways in which the education system can perpetuate and reinforce inequality. Through its compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and nuanced exploration of complex social issues, "Pipeline" challenges audiences to confront difficult
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The play explores the reality that students of color, particularly black and Latino students, are more likely to be suspended, expelled, and arrested in schools, which can lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. Morisseau's play highlights the impact that this trend has on families and communities, and how it perpetuates and reinforces inequality. Through the powerful story of Nya and her son Omari, the play challenges audiences to consider how education, race, and class intersect to create a system that often fails students of …show more content…
Karen Pittman, who plays Nya, gives a particularly powerful performance, conveying the deep love she has for her son and the frustration and despair she feels when she realizes that the system has failed him. Nya's journey throughout the play is one of heartbreak and resilience, and Pittman captures this beautifully. Namir Smallwood, who plays Omari, gives a nuanced and raw portrayal of a young man struggling to find his place in the world. The chemistry between Pittman and Smallwood is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the most affecting in the play. In terms of achieving its goal, the production of "Pipeline" has been successful in generating awareness and sparking important conversations about the "school-to-prison pipeline." The play has been praised for its powerful storytelling and for its ability to shed light on a pressing social issue. The actors in the production brought the characters to life in a way that was engaging and compelling, with each actor bringing their unique style to the roles they