Synopsis

A gritty New York City housing project, where childhood dreams collide with harsh realities

Prix is a fierce young woman navigating the violent world of girl gangs. From her tumultuous teenage years to her late twenties, Prix clings to her passion for fireworks as a symbol of beauty and control in a chaotic life. As she wrestles with her role as a gang leader, her complicated relationship with her mother, and the lingering trauma of childhood abuse, Prix must confront the consequences of her choices and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of violence.

Corthron’s raw and poetic dialogue crackles with authenticity, while the play’s episodic structure mirrors the fragmented nature of Prix’s existence. Breath, Boom offers an unflinching look at the harsh realities of urban poverty and the allure of gang life, while never losing sight of the humanity of its characters. The play’s non-linear narrative weaves past and present together, creating a powerful meditation on memory, survival, and the possibility of redemption in even the most challenging circumstances.