Jones uses all the senses to demonstrate the horror of captivity, and the terrible circumstances African slaves encountered upon being transported to the United States. Director notes take up as much space in this play as the actual dialogue, as the author dictates exactly how each moment should feel, sound, smell and appear.

Darkness is a huge symbol for despair throughout the work. The play opens in pitch black to allow the audience to fully realize the terrifying environment of a slave ship. Throughout the play, characters only come into light during moments of climaxing action. The rest of the action takes place in dim light or complete darkness, to show the slaves' inability to control their surroundings. Darkness symbolizes the misery of captivity, the terrifying moments of not understanding, of being tortured and violated.

Time is very fluid through the play. The action zooms...