Just a few miles from one another, 2 islands have contained secrets we struggle to fathom and contain one of our darkest fears: imprisonment without just cause. We always try to hide away are undesirables, but none have done it better than the islands of New York. We follow the stories of Winnie and Xavier as they navigate their time at Blackwell Island Lunatic Asylum and Rikers Island Jail. Though separated by time, station in life, gender, race and reason for their imprisonment, their stories are remarkably similar. Will they make it to freedom? Based on true historical accounts, Undesirable Island highlights the ongoing concern of humane treatment for marginalized communities through the lens of the past.
Karissa Barber is actively working on this piece and is seeking a residency and workshop opportunity to further the development of this play.
