Sweat

author

Lynn Nottage

setting

2000-2008, Reading PA

Jason

son of Tracey who just got out of jail

Chris

Cynthia's son who also just got out of jail and converted to Christianity

Stan

bartender who listens to all the gossip

Tracey

racists woman, who wants the promotion but doesn't get it

Cynthia

-african american woman, who gets the promotion and knows that there will be cuts in the factory

Evan

is Jason's parole officer

Oscar

also a bartender with Stan

Jessie

is the drunk girl who can't hold herself together

Brucie

Cynthia's ex husband who is an alcoholic trying to get back with her

Scene I

2008, Evan is trying to get Jason to talk but it is difficult, Jason however does mention that he saw Eric a while ago. Evan then talks to Eric and he is more open to talk and also mentions seeing Jason. Now we are left out figure out what happened

Scene II

2000, Cynthia, Tracey, and Jessie are drunk celebrating Tracey's birthday. Stan, Tracey, and Cynthia talk about town gossip and what's going on at Olstead's plant. Audience is notified that there is a promotion that is being offered to floor employees. Cynthia tells everyone that she is interested along with Tracey.

Scene III

Jason and Christ are at the bar. Audience learns that Tracey is Jason's mom. The boys talk with Stan about their financial struggle sand working at Olstead's. Christ shares that he is interested in going to college to be a teacher. Jason quickly dismisses Chris' dreams, yet he's upset that Christ didn't tell him earlier.

Scene IV

Brucie enters the bar chatting with Stan. Cynthia, Tracey, and Jessie walk in and there is immediate tension in the room. Cynthia hasn't seen Brucie since he stole from her over the holidays. Brucie wants to talk and apologize for what he did but Cnythia refuses him and can't get back together unless he quits drugs and drinking and finds a job

Scene V

opens after the record setting stock market drop of 2000. Cynthia has received the promotion and the gang is celebrating inside. Tracey is annoyed by all of it and it shows by stating that Cynthia only got it because she was of color. Oscar tells Tracey that they are hiring non union workers and that he wants to apply but Tracey tells him not to

Scene VI

occurs at a time when Reading is $10 billion in debt. JEssies sits alone with Stan at the bar. It's her bday and her friends are late. JEssie tells Stan that Tracey has been spreading rumors that Cynthia was only promoted bc she was black. Everyone then comes in a little later as Tracey comes in much later. There is immediate tension between Cnythia and Tracey. Tracey asks about the recent changes to Olstead's employment.

Scene VII

takes place outside the bar. JAson and Chris are rushing to the plant when they run into Brucie. Brucie asks the boys where they are going; Olstead's has moved out three of the factory machine sand posted a list of names on the door. Brucie advises the boys not to strike against Olstead's but rather take the pay cut

Act II

2008, Jason is visiting his mom at her apartment after recently being released from jail. he asks to borrow money, but Tracey only has five dollars to lend him. Jason notices that his mother is high. the scene shifts to Cynthia's house; Chris is seeing his mom for the first time since prison. They discuss recent changes and how Christ has found religion to be helpful, two share an uncomfortable conversation about the past.

Scene 2

July 2000. Chris, Jason, Jessie, and Tracey are yelling at Cynthia in regards to Olstead's employment. Cynthia finally gives in and tells them that they are asking employees to take a 60% pay cut. The floor workers reply by fighting back and striking.

Scene 3

Cynthia is at the bar alone on her birthday. makes small talk with Stan, when Jessie and Tracey enter. Everyone blames Cynthia for the recent cuts at Olstead's and Tracey brings up a time about her friendship ending with why she can't fight for them.

Scene 4

Brucie at the bar with Chris and Jason. Brucie has been doing some heavy drugs and Chris talks to his dad about this, but quickly goes to Olstead's situation

Scene 5

a month later, Stan confronts Oscar at the bar. Oscar has taken a job at Olstead's. Stan believes this will cause him trouble and advises him against accepting the position. Oscar doesn't agree and plans to work at the plant. Tracey enters the bar and becomes aggressive toward Oscar for the same reason

Scene 6