2022
ALLEGIANCE
1w / 4m / 1-2 any
Gun Violence Type(s): Community Violence; Police Shooting
Perspective: Black Lives; Family / Sibling; Survivor
Narrative Style: Chorus / Multi-Voice
By Arianna Brumfield
Growing up in a community where opportunities are scarce, Nehemiah feels burdened with the responsibility of rebuilding his fractured family. When tragedy rips a hole in his world, he must decide whether to fulfill that responsibility or seek revenge, and which life he was destined to live.
SYNOPSIS
Older Nehemiah, now in his thirties, reflecting on his youth and the meaning of the American flag. He speaks bitterly about the flag that represents freedom and justice for some, but not for everyone, particularly not for people of color. He contrasts his experience of being forced to salute the flag in school with the real history of oppression and violence his ancestors endured.
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Younger Nehemiah enters, and the two Nehemiahs — one representing the past and one the present — interact with each other, offering commentary on their shared frustrations and struggles. The Younger Nehemiah of the past grapples with the realities of systemic racism and the feeling of being a second-class citizen, echoing Older Nehemiah's frustrations.
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Nehemiah’s older brother, Leontavious, enters and is shown in the streets selling drugs. He expresses his fear that he might not make it home one night, knowing the dangers of his life. His mother, Tomeka, tries to keep the family together despite the challenges they face, urging Nehemiah to be the one who rebuilds the family after the chaos caused by Leontavious’s actions.
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The tension builds as Andre, Leontavious's best friend, whispers to Younger Nehemiah, offering him a chance to get revenge against those who harmed his brother. Younger Nehemiah is torn between following his mother’s values of peace and becoming involved in street violence. This internal conflict intensifies as Nehemiah becomes drawn into a situation where his brother's fate and the violence of the streets loom large.
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The critical moment comes when Younger Nehemiah is confronted by a policeman while alone in a neighborhood. The officer accosts Nehemiah, detains him, and threatens him with violence. The scene becomes a tense reflection on racial profiling, where Nehemiah pleads for his life, saying he has a family and a future. Despite his protests, the officer pulls a gun on him, and a gunshot rings out. The play ends with Nehemiah’s survival being uncertain, as Older Nehemiah reflects on his survival in contrast to his brother's tragic fate.
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In the closing moments, Older Nehemiah, reflecting on his own choices and the path he took, emphasizes the power of love, growth, and the future for his community, choosing to move forward with a sense of purpose rather than revenge. The play ends with a call to not repeat the mistakes of the past but to rebuild and progress for the next generation.
The juxtaposition of two different forms of gun violence intersecting with (and destroying) this family is heartbreaking and have been woven together in a very compelling play.
MARY KATHRYN NAGLE
Playwright & ENOUGH! panelist
themes & technique
THEMES
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Racial Profiling and Police Violence — A tense encounter exposes how Black lives are endangered by systemic suspicion and force.
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Cycles of Grief and Revenge — Weighs the emotional cost of choosing peace in a world shaped by violence.
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Black Family Legacy — Focuses on generational strength, grief, and the hope placed on one child to rebuild what’s been lost.
NARRATIVE TECHNIQUE
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Temporal doubling — The presence of both younger and older versions of the protagonist creates a reflective, layered storytelling structure centered on memory and choice.
"What does my past tell you about me?
When you glance at my outward appearance what do you see?"
Arianna Brumfield
Allegiance
Playwright's Bio
Arianna Brumfield (she/her) hails from Jackson, MS where she attends JPS-Tougaloo Early College High School. She enjoys creating art and expressing herself through different mediums, which has led her to her love of writing and using her experiences as a way to tell a story and create a message. She has two proud parents, Roderick and Adrianne, an older brother Marcus, and a twin sister Arielle. She previously received a superior award at the Mississippi Junior Thespian Individual Events Showcase, where her love for theatre grew beyond measure. She would like to thank her friends, family, and loved ones for their comfort and support, and Jesus Christ for his unconditional love and guidance.
