What is the theme in The America Play, and Other Works by Suzan-Lori Parks?

The African American experience is another theme in the book. The author essentially states, in the Essays in Section 1, her thematic intentions in writing her plays - in particular, her intention to awaken contemporary African Americans to a deeper, more respectful, and more aware relationship with their racial and cultural history. In particular, the essay entitled "An Equation for Black People Onstage" suggests clearly and strongly that, at least in the author's mind, African Americans need to see themselves in light of their own identities, as individuals and as a racial community, rather than solely in relationship to whites.