2023
THE SMILES BEHIND
1w / 2M
Gun Violence Type(s): Police Shooting
Perspective: Black Lives; Youth
Narrative Style: Magical Realism
By Niarra C. Bell
What if a single conversation could stop tragedy in its tracks? A young girl risks everything to put that to the test as she confronts the police officer attempting to chase down her beloved brother.
SYNOPSIS
In a dimly lit park at 1:00 a.m., KAYDIN is chased by OFFICER JEFFERSON, who believes he may be armed and connected to a nearby shooting. As the officer draws his weapon, time suddenly freezes. Kaydin vanishes, and in his place appears LAYLA, Kaydin’s precocious younger sister, who treats the moment like a game of freeze tag. Officer Jefferson, now immobilized, is bewildered as Layla questions him about why he was chasing her brother. Their surreal yet poignant exchange gradually reveals personal histories, fears, and biases. Layla insists Kaydin is not dangerous and pleads for understanding, forcing Jefferson to reflect on his assumptions and his own estranged relationship with his son, Jason.
Through her persistent questioning, Layla challenges Jefferson to consider whether his actions stem from fear rather than evidence, and whether he would treat Kaydin differently if he saw his own child in him. She secures a promise that Jefferson will not shoot her brother and helps him understand the stakes: Kaydin’s life, her family’s love, and the fragility of trust. When time resumes, Kaydin reappears and slowly de-escalates the encounter, revealing he had only a phone and wallet. A call on Jefferson’s radio clears Kaydin of suspicion. As the two share a moment of connection, Kaydin reveals Layla was killed in a previous shooting at the same playground. Jefferson, now visibly moved, promises to get Kaydin home safely, honoring the spirit of Layla’s final plea.
This play puts us squarely in the center of the misunderstanding to be the pursuer and the pursued -- to chase and to run, the intersection of race, power, life and death—this piece is chilling.
IDRIS GOODWIN
Playwright & ENOUGH! panelist
themes & technique
THEMES
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Implicit Bias and Policing — Jefferson’s assumptions about Kaydin’s guilt are rooted in fear and pattern recognition, which Layla challenges by exposing how dangerous those assumptions can be.
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Humanization Through Empathy — Layla’s insistence that Jefferson see Kaydin as someone with a family, future, and feelings forces him to see beyond his training and protocols.
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Grief as Motivation — Kaydin’s late-night visit stems from the loss of his sister, adding emotional weight to his actions and revealing how tragedy can fuel purpose.
NARRATIVE TECHNIQUE
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Surreal temporal suspension — The interruption of time allows for a speculative and emotional interrogation between Layla and Jefferson, giving voice to moral questions that might otherwise remain unspoken in real time.
"Families are like puzzles because they aren't complete without all the pieces!"
Niarra C. Bell
The Smiles Behind
Playwright's Bio
Niarra C. Bell (she/her, Virginia) is a recently graduated 17-year-old from Virginia with an intense passion for the performing arts. Niarra has experience in acting, directing, and backstage technical work. Niarra hopes that her play will help bring a different perspective on gun violence to her community as she has seen the problem grow worse in recent years. Niarra believes that, even if her play reaches only one person, she has helped the movement against gun violence. Niarra would like to thank God first for giving her the idea for the play and the inspiration to write. Next, Niarra would like to thank her parents, family, and friends for all of their support. Special thanks go to her mom who was always willing to stay up with Niarra while she wrote The Smile Behind. Finally, Niarra would like to thank her teacher and mentor Mrs. Tracy Bourne as she is the one who encouraged Niarra to write and submit The Smiles Behind to the ENOUGH! contest. Niarra is extremely grateful for this opportunity and the experience. The Smiles Behind is Niarra’s playwriting debut.
