Jeremy O. Harris - “Slave Play” Inspiration & Future of Theatre | The Daily Social Distancing Show

Jeremy O. Harris discusses “Slave Play,” shares how growing up as a Black kid in the South inspired his work and calls for bailouts to save the theatre industry. #DailyShow #TrevorNoah #JeremyOHarris
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Trevor Noah and The Daily Show correspondents tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and pop culture.
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[@Nothing_Israel]

This guy is talking about saving the American theatre and liberal racism and all the comments are talking about his hair... this was a brilliant interview .

[@1Nemesista]

Hey.. what he did with that fro is create an emotional memory for this discussion. It's actually kind of brilliant. Emotional memories are the ones that stick with us through all the life noise. This makes me think of the stories if black civil rights leaders and stories my father would tell about that time. Couple that with a hobby I didn't know I needed was to go to the theater for ALL the reasons he mentioned. I used to think it was for aristocrats. But I got MY first taste with Wicked (so I needed no convincing), while other people are now singing Hamilton. Bruh, Jeremy is like a fucking super hero right now... His fans are just showing love to him by paying homage to the Fro.

[@mry82]

Well said guys!

[@thesuncollective1475]

I just checked out a review.. White people will enjoy it more as Blacks already get it.

[@jcspider7259]

@@1Nemesista Jeremy is 6'5" tall, so with that hair, he's probably close to 7 feet. Oh, and he got a Master's degree at Yale. Holy shit! In fact, he wrote Slave Play while at Yale. BTW, Slave Play received 12 nominations at the 74th Tony Awards, breaking the record previously set by the 2018 revival of Angels in America for most nominations for a non-musical play.

[@heavenearth9463]

Hahahaha praise God.

[@christophermm23]

I love that closing pitch to save the arts. He admits that he's fine, but recognizes the position of his fellow peers. I applaud that. #SupportTheArts 🎨 🎥🎭💃👯‍♀️🕺

[@bryantperkins4406]

Just the fro itself deserves a like

[@mimiboucher5701]

And a nomination 😂

[@heavenearth9463]

True God made afros.

[@emmadilemma7800]

Love how they didnt edit out the technical difficulties, it gives an authentic feel. And i love how he called out Comedy Central, you dont see guests that outspoken and raw these days.

[@paarths.5281]

The hoodie thing.... Same, man. I always wear hoodies at home.

[@sameetsable444]

Virtual high five 🙋‍♂

[@eliseperezm3161]

The way that he like talk for other people in the arts who may be struggling and how we can help that’s so cool I 🥺💕💕💕

[@seunmeduoye8974]

Finally! We get an explanation about hoodies.

[@ninaschust3694]

And his color palette is legendary ❤

[@heavenearth9463]

God is on the hood. Dude

[@debbiedoodiedandi]

I loved his frozen face!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@olivetti1381]

Please give us the full fro, Trevor!

[@zenamccain4923]

Did you ask them to pay you to touch your hair? My son did! He came home with all this money in first grade. I asked where did he get it and he told me. Thanks Jeremy!

[@keepinitkawaii]

😂😂 what a business man! I never thought of that i just instantly touch their hair back. No one ever asks me they just go in for a grab so i grab back 🤷🏾‍♀️ and then they look at me like 🤨 "why would you touch me??"

[@OutlawedOutlander]

@@keepinitkawaii sus

[@keepinitkawaii]

@@OutlawedOutlander I dont speak juvenile.

[@fym90]

I love every bit of this interview. It was way too short!

[@GoIggles92]

Clicked for the fro, stayed for the interview. Fantastic personality and I loved the ending. A very important conversation.

[@latoyamatson6197]

This kid is genuinely smart. and it kills me to know that many people will not stop and watch this interview because they don't know him and because he is black. And for some odd reason they don't think that black people have anything to say. Go compare interviews on whites and blacks on all shows and unless you're Chad boswick, kevin hart, and the rock... ya get low ratings. . .

[@Mack-pg4vy]

True. I mean right, right right.

[@heavenearth9463]

Oh God.

[@francesy5748]

I had never heard of Jeremy before I clicked on this, but Trevor's interviews with people tend to be really worthwhile, so I've had a lot of "sure why not" clicks on them and left feeling really satisfied and informed

[@emperoryuan9793]

That's the long lost legendary African afro finally, someone who understands the power of the afro. After being able to see it's divinity I should die without any regret...One day I'll have one, Harris you're my role model now.

[@heavenearth9463]

God made powerfull things.

[@emperoryuan9793]

@@heavenearth9463 Afro power...hell yea since the dawn of time men has wondered does the champion makes the Afro or the Afro makes the champion but that's a question even modern science can't answer. by Usopp

[@iluminet]

I agree. Everyone that can do it should wear one at least once before they die. They don't just look amazing - they feel amazing, as well. Weightless...

[@emperoryuan9793]

@@iluminet finally someone who understands me...Yes it gives you that feeling of pride and funk as you walk around the street

[@iluminet]

@@emperoryuan9793 Yes. And lets your scalp BREATH, maybe for the first time ever, lol.

[@d-rocky]

He looks like my dad when I was little. Like exactly.

[@Cruxador]

Fashion goes in cycles

[@christnerdz2482]

He also favors a young Lionel Ritchie...Commodores.

[@1Nemesista]

Nostalgia.

[@keepinitkawaii]

I cant wait till trevors afro can reach such heights!✊🏾

[@Thenoobestgirl]

Congrats on 9 million subscribers, Trevor! I've just noticed 😊

[@jcspider7259]

Jeremy is 6'5" tall, so with that hair, he's probably close to 7 feet. Oh, and he got a Master's degree at Yale. Holy shit! In fact, he wrote Slave Play while at Yale. BTW, Slave Play received 12 nominations at the 74th Tony Awards, breaking the record previously set by the 2018 revival of Angels in America for most nominations for a non-musical play.

[@kevinshaw7784]

sooooo are you surprised he did this or are you surprised that a black man did this?

[@jcspider7259]

@@kevinshaw7784 These facts are quite unusual for literally ANY human. I myself have an interracial marriage, am a scientist, and do not see "color" as most others do. Humans are humans. When they are extraordinary, they are extraordinary not for how much melanin is in their skin.

[@SarahS-zq8ru]

Can’t wait to see/ experience his play! I totally agree, supporting artists is more important than one might think on first glance. First off, usually the problems of the world are most usually solved with the help or leadership of someone, with not only a vision, but creativity. And of course my favorite point, from whom I Can’t recall, but the gist was if it weren’t for art or artists, then what the hell would you you be doing all this time stuck at home during quarantine? I mean who doesn’t love a good movie or tv show that takes you to somewhere else...

[@1Nemesista]

I AM LIVING FOR THAT FRO... I am a blackish woman married to a delicious Ginger man, but this black man is making me feel things!

[@heavenearth9463]

God let me feel things.

[@hilaryhauser4531]

I saw Slave Play before it closed. It was incredible, I'm still thinking about all of the intersecting themes of love, race, and power dynamics. I feel so lucky that I got to see it performed.

[@kandyappleview]

i took my sister to see Aladdin last january and we actually walked up to the door of the theater where slave play was because the title caught my attention. i read a little bit about the play and thought it was probably interesting...but there's no way my sister would want to see it. we live in maryland so it's not like we could just run back up later to see it. i kinda wish i had seen it now.

[@arkarhein6779]

We as a citizen of Myanmar not agree with the current move and would like to request the world leaders. UN and the world medias help our country- our leaders- our people - from this bitter acts. We want democracy and want our country to develop as our nabouring countries. Please do some Show about Current crisis, Trevor.

[@heavenearth9463]

I would like God in all governments of all countries.

[@victoriaeads6126]

2:25 at least your screen froze with you looking great 😂💜💜 Wonderful interview!!

[@meemo32086]

Keep the sweat hoodie Noah!! We're all zooming work in them!!

[@lazyperfectionist1]

"Jeremy may be the smartest guy here, but he got in because of his race." Oh, yeah. I can see the racism in that and I find it kind of surprising that the party _saying_ this _couldn't._ This was an _Ivy League_ school?

[@1Nemesista]

How do you make your font italicized? HTML?

[@lazyperfectionist1]

@@1Nemesista Oh. Well, no. I put an underscore (that character at the end of your number keys "_") at the beginning and end of the print I want italicized. You've got to be kind of careful with it, because you can't italicize _part_ of a word. If you try, it will actually print the underscore. You can also make the print *boldface* by putting an asterisk at the beginning and end and -strikethrough- by putting a dash at the beginning and end.

[@dannielleuhrich627]

Really enjoy all Trevor's interviews!

[@mm12345777]

I'm definitely checking out his work. Lovely interview 💙

[@PleasePlanSustainably]

Love this interview. Hope I can see the play soon!

[@josuesjourney6931]

This was a wonderful episode. I love that your technical difficulties are in live bloopers.

[@josuesjourney6931]

Feels like a live phone call

[@donnaellis2438]

Trevor, I like your hoodies in all the colors! This show is my first introduction to the amazing Jeremy O. Harris. His story and your interview, the contrast of racism, systemic and more simply social of north and south should be heard. It resonates. So much more going on here. Thank you!

[@callie4348]

I really enjoyed watching this interview. Great job. I want to see the play now.

[@lady8015]

Jeremy is a mood

[@lazyperfectionist1]

_The Matrix,_ you can tell, is a movie that's written to be watched more than once. There's the big twist in which Neo discovers the true circumstances of his existence, and the second time you watch it, everything looks different with a whole layer of meaning behind it.

[@flutefunk]

I can watch this interview over and over again!!

[@margicates553]

I heard about his play on NPR years ago, I can’t wait to see it in person some day!

[@NellieKAdaba]

Interesting

[@sebastian5903]

Such a cool and smart guy... Enjoyed the interview

[@youtubecensorsspeech6672]

ill watch the play for sure when i can, i miss going to theaters!

[@Mack-pg4vy]

3rd Daily Show notification today. Trevor has a lot to say today

[@christelheadington1136]

It got all bottled up when he was on break, so now it pouring out.

[@mindtheprivacy]

Loved this guy! So smart! Theater is a magical art.

[@Marlowekay]

Very insightful comments...

[@pinwheelart2825]

He is brilliant and beautiful. We need more people using their talents in such spectacular ways!

[@zp6097]

Great interview!

[@macswanton9622]

The endless debate- 'Natural' v 'Afro'. The grass is always greener...

[@yayalala2625]

I am excited to see this. I love entertainment that takes you on a journey. Im desperately craving content that will blow my mind

[@zunisilverwolf]

Jeremy is the angel we need, but don't deserve.

[@heavenearth9463]

God is an angel.

[@movesfordayes9791]

So inspiring!!

[@alexsiegel-wazeter8538]

I hope you both understand that some of “us”, white people, care about all people. I understand what Mr. Harris is saying but please know some of us are embarrassed by the behavior of others, mortified by what they say and speak out against racism every chance we get. I only pull out my Jewish laser for Trump Supporters!

[@heavenearth9463]

I love God. I love Trump. I love Biden. I love white and black people. Love manifests God.

[@i.t.t.]

i laughed and laughed and laughed thank you for this omg

[@eliseperezm3161]

Please he is such an inspiration 🥺🚀

[@TheOneandPrettyOne07]

He's a beautiful Soul!!! ❤❤❤

[@adriennereed6910]

I just love this! Life is just happening right now

[@edavid2557]

Ooooh I miss the'70 fashion! Great clothes, great hair and tones of flowers and hope for equality! The difference between the artists revenues is so extreme... A thought for India and most of the poor people struggling while just a bunch count among the richest people in the world... Gladly great artists like Jeremy remind the others where they may have come from. The play sounds awesome, I hope I can see it one day. Sure it'll become a movie!!!

[@mlggamer5296]

Technical difficulties are always where the best comedy Gold is found. 🤣🤣🤣 Anyway it definitely sounds like an interesting play and it's something that's been used in the protests so it definitely has some meaning to it and I love how passionate he is about it which shows that alot of love also went into it.

[@agnesstokes1078]

I am enjoying your take on the world I don't usually watch this type of program but my day is not complete if I don't watch you some time during the day. Thank you

[@mountainmermaid8]

This guy is adorable. Thanks for having him on.

[@LegoCookieDoggie]

why is this unlisted? But I saw "theatre" and stayed

[@emjaysmile]

I'm still waiting on sweat shirt Trevor

[@heavenearth9463]

Hahaha I am still waiting on God to saves us all.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

🤔 I don't see the racism in the question, "Can I touch your hair?" I see the mentality _behind_ it. "I'm accustomed to hair that doesn't have that texture and I'm curious, by nature. Will you oblige my curiosity?" I don't know. I mean I once had a curious, young black lady who wanted to touch _my_ hair. 🤷

[@margicates553]

@Fauler Perfektionist I’m not black but as far as I can tell from conversations I’ve heard from black people. It’s dehumanizing to touch someone without asking first, and it’s disrespectful. We as a culture struggle with asking for consent before we touch, and those we deem less powerful, we tend to think we can touch with out asking ( children, women, bipoc, ect.) And the exoticism, the way we other black folx is wrong. These seemingly small things (called micro aggressions) add up and are exhausting. Read John Lewis, or bell hooks.

[@Knitting_in_seattle]

It’s othering. You one time had someone ask to touch your hair. Imagine if all the time people were asking to touch your hair like you were an oddity they were curious about.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

@@Knitting_in_seattle Ah. Okay. Yeah. I can see the racism in _that._ Something like this happening _once_ is not racist, but something like this happening _constantly,_ _predictably,_ several times a _day_ is.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

@@margicates553 Pardon me for nitpicking, but the situation described by Jeremy Harris is _not_ without permission. It did not occur to me, though, just how _ubiquitous_ it would be. My situation did not strike me as racist because it happened _once._ Harris described something that happened to him _constantly,_ and so, it's fair to assume, the simple _thought_ of certainty he could have that it would happen to him brought on a fair amount of fatigue. I can also see your other points. Yes, as a culture, we _do_ struggle with asking for consent before we touch and it's _not_ fair the way we other blacks (and _other_ groups of non-Caucasians). I had not thought of the phrase "May I touch your hair?" as part of that.

[@laalaa99stl]

Now that you said it, you HAVE to give us the full Simone Williams fro, Trevor! Come on! Let's see it! 🦱

[@IntendJOY]

Please repeat here in print in the description how to support theater artists and staff. Please.

[@tanyawalters8775]

Congrats to your success!

[@Alisha1686]

Yes the afro is the reason I clicked on

[@heavenearth9463]

His afro let me think of God. So pretty

[@diedreadonis2022]

well this was amazing:)

[@sebeallahye6050]

I'm not sure whether I like more his hair or his accent. I'm between the devil and the deep blue sea!

[@discoveragriculturewithj.3178]

My mom after seeing his grown Trevor's hair is Mom: Is this the guy you said was your role model Later, she sees this new guy's hair Mom: What's up with the hair these days

[@ninaschust3694]

Handsome men rocking beautiful hair 👏👏👏👏👏

[@francesy5748]

Trevor's hair is his own decision, but I'll say it now, if he shaves it when we go back to studio, I'll be sad deep down...

[@germasehloho9610]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣, very nice interview

[@cocoknows]

Jeremy O. Harris is one of the coolest guys around. I wish I had friends as socially conscious and fashionable as him.

[@kingkelz215]

when the world reopens, I'd like to hit NY and see this rousing work of his

[@tonyisdabom24]

I love this

[@lenaedyse9634]

Trevor, where do buy your hoodies? I ask because....your hoodies are quite lovely. Just asking...

[@user-cv2df5cr8i]

Great !

[@Parisloverable]

WHY IS THIS UNLISTED?

[@HBarnill]

Slave Play was the best show I’ve seen since The Book of Mormon.

[@justforfun-jp2vc]

Sounds like code switching to me. One of my oldest friends went through a similar experience. I was her only white friend for years and we both endured our racist and segregated school system. Now I’m the gringo in a state where I’m the racial minority. Would love to see the play!

[@ESO2210]

I love this guy

[@m.riverscomegys8100]

JEREMY!!!!!! 🙌🙏🙌

[@SHAd0Eheart]

Awesome freeze face, I doubt I ever get that lucky.

[@NellieKAdaba]

😆

[@actress5256]

I could not adore Jeremy O’Harris more!

[@NeilNileStudios]

I️ only clicked for the fros

[@aishasadiq2210]

A few years ago, the Dixie song became popular with phone technicians in Nigeria. They fix phones in plazas and add music etc for customers. A was stunned to see black Africans openly putting Dixie as their ringtone and alerts. I made it my mission to end that! I narrated the origin of the song and it's history to everyone who had it and anyone around them. "what? " No. That's not music for the motherland, who owe our brothers and sisters who have lived with slavery for generations in the US loyalty. Hell,no.

[@mindtheprivacy]

I have a question, why is there a pressure to cut interviews short if the show is on the internet and there's no rush? I don't get it. They have lots of fredoom now.

[@niqepatel7191]

❤️

[@DoctorsSong]

We love the HOODIES Trevor!!!!

[@kylesanders8276]

FaceTime must use a good bit of bandwidth or CPU, his connection got better after he turned it off

[@miraculousjackson2090]

STAND UP KING' 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@idacoetzee]

Trevor would you ever return to South Africa if you can have the same platform- interviewing South Africans and occasional international personalities- Having been a long time USA resident- I’m a migrant worker, I long for South Africa - the humor, the struggle and the joy! I think that you could be a significant unifying person for South Africans! With your international status as a unique comedian with spot on political insight you can influence change not just in South Africa but on the entire African continent. This is not about guilting you, you are free to work where you choose- South Africans have unique experiences having lived through the brutality and absurdity of apartheid- we have a magnificently vibrant nation in South Africa and rarely see what the positives are since the abolishment of apartheid from the law. Just sayin as I miss South Africans and the land and am considering returning with the increasing fascism that’s escalating in the USA- seems like USA is incapable of acknowledging the institutional racism despite all the messaging from artists and BLM, I feel like I am back under apartheid rule when I hear the majority of American politicians on both side of the aisle speak on the subject of racism, ie an utter lack insight into and utter lies re the escalating and persistent racism in USA.

[@heavenearth9463]

Oh God who will read your long comment. All the best.

[@idacoetzee]

@@heavenearth9463 looks like maybe 3! Like much on line - we are free to read and respond to what we want.

[@mry82]

This is awesome. #ownyourracism

[@user-gp9nt6kq8o]

I don't know who needs to hear this but stop saving all your money. Invest some of it If you want financial freedom.

[@user-gp9nt6kq8o]

Invest in bitcoin, gold, silver, buy stock, forex market. anything! just invest and save yourself

[@marionsteel4337]

@@crystalharrison2139 .dude, this is 2021. People who aren't even traders still make money from the crypto and forex markets

[@marionsteel4337]

if you think you're too busy to trade or learn how to trade. just know I have some friends Who dont even know a thing about trading but invest in a platform where an expert helps them trade. and they get paid profit every week

[@destinyrichard9270]

@@marionsteel4337 .Exactly My trading mentor Frank Joseph runs an investment platform that helps with that.

[@destinyrichard9270]

I invested $3000 just last week and today he paid me $8000 .it's amazing!

[@mariaarias1458]

We are early

[@jessiemayfield6749]

Omg Jeremy is so awesome and handsome 💗

[@thacrypt223]

Haha glad they did not take away the glitch.

[@v.i.p.tarotandmorebydebora4248]

that wasn't my intention

[@PonderLust]

hoodies are basically robes, pajamas

[@NellieKAdaba]

😆

[@mk.mn.8684]

YES OMG THE KING JEREMY O. HARRIS IS ON EVERYONE SHUT UP

[@heavenearth9463]

God that afrohair is so cool. God makes cool things.

[@iraisaacs4446]

If you relegate your relationships with anyone down to race and past historical events you are the one who needs to grow up become an adult and seek help. Race has nothing to do with love.

[@dumpster-kun7132]

I can’t believe they used Skype this whole time.

[@dumpster-kun7132]

And this comment sounds so fake. I need to learn better punctuation.

[@clifvaughn962]

You have had almost no AFRICAN MEN on since the joint.... Come come now bredren

[@beetle6746]

He cheated in the fro contest he beat him

[@brianrisbrook6043]

Damn son he's trying to hang up on you ...is it still hanging up when its a video chat ?fuck im old.