←Recommendations of A Driving Beat

This play gorgeously navigates a relationship between a mother and her teenaged son. Stuck in the car for a cross-country road trip, Mateo and Diane's interactions are, at times, contentious and bumpy, but they are smoothed over by Jordan's ability to graciously explore the identities, politics, and longings of two characters who seem worlds apart in the same car.

A gorgeous story of love and dedication, writ large on a mom and her adopted son, who she has done her best to raise in a warm, supportive, inclusive environment with plenty of room for his cultural heritage. When his need to know more leads them on a road trip to the beginning its anyone's guess where they'll end up. It's a lyrical, light-filled look at best intentions and the best kind of parenting, the kind that encourages exploration, allows for surprises, and embraces the whims of the world.

I loved the story and the relationship between a mother and her son. It was beautiful. The dialogue was solid and the story left me wanting more after it was over. I know this story will find its way to stages across the country.

I had an opportunity to hear Jordan's play "A Driving Beat" at the HBMG Foundation's National Winter Playwrights Retreat, and I was impressed with her willingness to take on a story with such complex and nuanced social themes. The relationship between the mom and her adopted son is intimate and touching, and this family's journey is fraught with questions about identity for themselves, to each other, and as members of a larger society that views them in a certain way. I'm excited to see this piece grow and make its way to the stage.