The play Divorce (Professional) explores the decision of a political philosopher of color to do the "unthinkable" (quit her tenure-track position) and the factors that shape the decision. It reflects upon insights from a wide range of philosophers and political theorists, including Kant (on sexual ethics), bell hooks (on scholars), Nietzsche (on "dying"), Martin Luther King (on Nietzsche), Rousseau (on social inequality) and Plato (on the nature of truth and the role of philosophers).

The play delves into several contemporary issues impacting universities, such as mentorship of junior faculty, defining oneself as a scholar, consensual sexual relationship policies, racial marginalization and sexual harassment in academic contexts and the importance of leadership at all levels—student, staff, administrative and faculty—to build inclusive and equitable environments for learning and scholarship.

The play is designed to be performed with nominal resources that may be readily found on any college campus. The featured cast includes only three roles  - "Emeritus," "Junior Professor," and "Department Chair," and can readily incorporate students in numerous supporting roles.  In the original performance of this play, the roles were read by a Title IX coordinator, an emeritus professor and a senior faculty member.  The cast, director and playwright engaged faculty, staff and students on key issues raised by the play during a post-performance discussion. 

A press release on the play's performance at Western Michigan University and its sponsors is available here.

Noncommercial licenses to perform the play are available. In addition, AdvocatesROC offers various packages to support organizations interested in performing the play and to use it to facilitate public discussions.   Please contact us for more information.