Deep Are the Roots is a 1945 play by Arnaud d'Usseau and James Gow about a decorated African-American soldier who has returned from World War II.[1]
Plot
Brett is an African American who grew up in the home of a former senator as the child of a servant.[1] He has served in World War II and been treated as an equal, and he wants to change the world.[1] He returns to his hometown and begins a romance with Genevra, a daughter of the former senator in a town where his checking a book out of the public library causes controversy.[1]
Production history
The play was first staged on Broadway in September 1945, directed by Elia Kazan; starring Gordon Heath and Barbara Bel Geddes, it ran for 477 performances, closing in November 1946.[1] The New York Times noted at the time that Deep Are the Roots did not "shy away from a problem" – racism in the Southern United States.[1]
The 1947 production in the West End of London starred Heath and Betsy Drake.[2] Earl Cameron subsequently played the lead on tour and in various regional productions.[3]
The play was revived at New York City's Metropolitan Playhouse in 2012.[1]
Adaptations
The play was adapted for Australian radio in 1947 with Grant Taylor.[4]