There are those who stand apart by the merit of the work they do – whether they want to or not.
Abdul and Solomon initiate Bai into the work of gravedigging for the town down the hill. But when illness hits the town, the three must make the best of a rapidly increasing workload.
Full of song, laughter and labour, Diggers is a tribute to essential workers.
Diggers premiered in a coproduction at Black Theatre Workshop and Prairie Theatre Exchange in 2024.
Keywords: Black, women
Genre: Drama
Run time: 90 minutes
Suitable for students 12+
Content notes: Set during a viral outbreak
Cast size: 4 actors
Male roles: 3
Female roles: 1
Casting notes: Priority should be given to Black and Indigenous performers. The three men should represent 3 distinct generations. The role of Bai is subject to gender fluidity.
"A plot-driven comedy shrouded in tragic circumstance, Diggers examines the lengths to which its characters must go to retain their humanity, even as they deal with societal despair and plumb the depths of grief."
- Ben Waldman, Winnipeg Free Press
"Diggers makes us think twice about the things we take for granted in contemporary society, and perhaps even leads us to question how we can do better. "
- Arismita Ghosh, The McGill Daily