Letter to Parents

Dear Parents and Guardians of “Playground” Cast,

Hello and thank you for supporting your child’s interest in participating in “Playground” by Jonathan Fitts. As was explained during the audition process, the premise of the show is based on true events that took place in Yemen in 2005 concerning the marriage and subsequent divorce of a 10-year old girl named Nujood Ali. Due to the sensitive subject matter of the play, we want to make sure resources are available for parents and guardians so they may explain the actions of characters within the play as necessary.  

As sanctioned by traditional law in many Sub Saharan countries, Nujood was married to a 30-year old man when she was 10-years old. Though her parents intended Nujood’s marriage to be a means of safety and a financial security, her husband forced her to have sex with him before she had reached puberty and physically abused her following their marriage.  After a few months of this treatment, Nujood traveled to the capital of Yemen to file for divorce, and was eventually grated one.

“Playground” centers around Nujood’s life before, during and after her marriage (and divorce.) While the play is based on the events that happened to Nujood, the plot of “Playground” is not strictly biographical and contains theatrical elements that expand and add to Nujood’s story by means of dramatic elements.

The script does not require that any child actors swear or use foul language, but the production staff wants to make sure parents know that the adult characters in the play do swear and discuss adult themes (ie. rape, physical abuse) throughout the play, and younger members of the cast will be present in rehearsals and performances where such dialogue will take place.  There is no literal presentation of rape or sexual behavior seen onstage. In the play, during the scene entitled “Dodge ball, ” Nujood’s husband throws and hits her with a red rubber ball--an act that in the play symbolizes the rape and abuse that Nujood suffered through.

If you have any questions or wish to learn more about the play and the events that inspired it, please feel free to contact Sylvia Mallory.

Thank you for your support and participation!