Jamal Williams

House on Fire Jamal Williams

House on Fire is a play that focuses on the "make believe" atmosphere in Los Angeles and how some folks buy into that fantasy environment even in real life with relationships and corrosive pride. The comedy and farcical play examines a house owned by a B-list actress who is raising a son under the rules of extreme feminist rules. Not having a man of her own she and her single women "clan" try to infuse all those superficial things that they feel replaces the symbol of a good black man unto her son. And typically because they try and mold him into their vision, it causes the hypocrisy and surreal ness into a tragic result. Because this respected woman with the high ideals actually distorts those very high level feminist principles in order to satisfy her carnal yearnings, it leads to a reexamination by all those in her clan. This play asks several questions including: Are Hollywood black divas indeed a possessed cult of women? Are they living in a House on Fire, and doing their ghostly dance as the smoke arises? And have they mortgaged so much of their souls that they are willing to sacrifice all to maintain their facade?