In Smoke

Synopsis

The narrative unfolds over a tense afternoon in the backyard of Officer Bullock‘s home in Chicago. Set three days after a controversial police shooting, the play delves into the lives of Bullock, a second-generation cop, Thomas, his street-smart partner, and Randy, Bullock’s idealistic younger brother. As they gather around a meat smoker, their conversation shifts from casual banter about barbecue to a heated confrontation about the shooting that led to their suspension.

Bullock and Thomas defend their actions, claiming they acted to protect their community, while Randy challenges their justifications, highlighting the racial implications and the fact that the victim was unarmed. The tension escalates when Randy dons a bulletproof vest and demands to experience what his brother did, pushing Bullock and Thomas to face the moral complexities of their actions. The play’s climax is a powerful exploration of guilt, justice, and the harrowing realities of policing in America.