Editor Shelita Burns is out to make a name for herself in the publishing world by focusing on the African American voice. She has just published the haunting memoir Bee-Luther-Hatchee, by a 72 year old Southern woman named Libby Price, who turns out to be as reclusive as J.D. Salinger. As awards and accolades pour in for the book, Shelita grows ever more determined to meet the mysterious woman whose manuscript spoke to her so deeply. When she does finally meet the writer what she finds out is shocking and threatens to ruin her career.
Bee-Luther-Hatchee recalls the scandal that erupted when it was discovered that James Frey fabricated portions of his autobiographical book, A Million Little Pieces. It raises many questions of literary authenticity. Who owns a story - those living it, or those witnessing it? How much bending of the truth is allowed in a memoir? It there an implicit trust between the reader and the writer that needs to be ethically upheld? Does a good story and touching writing stand independently from the identity of the storyteller?
Bee-Luther-Hatchee is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever are strictly prohibited.
Setting: The present in various locations throughout New York City, Charleston, NC, and the author's memory.
| Libby Price . . . . | |
| Shelita Burns . . . . | |
| Brian Clark, writer for the New York Times . . . . | |
| Sister Margaret . . . . | |
| Robert . . . . | |
| Anna . . . . | |
| Woman . . . . | |
| Sean Leonard . . . . |