Joe Turner’s Come and Gone

What's Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Like?

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is a richly poetic, deeply spiritual drama by August Wilson. 

It is the second installment (chronologically) in Wilson's ten-play American Century Cycle, each focusing on Black life in a different decade of the 20th century. This show is set in 1911.

Is Joe Turner’s Come and Gone Good for Kids?

This show is not generally recommended for children, especially younger ones, as the show explores heavy themes such as the legacy of slavery, racial trauma, imprisonment, and the search for identity. While the language includes some strong expressions, it's not excessive by modern standards. 

There are also descriptions of past abuse and captivity, which contribute to the emotional and psychological tension throughout the play. The overall tone is serious, somber, and emotionally intense, with a pacing that is slow, reflective, and driven by dialogue—elements that may not hold a child’s attention.

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone on Broadway Background