THE LESSON is a fictional solo play written and performed by Tyrone Davis, Jr. A first-grade teacher is dramatically confronted with a child's curiosity about her own body and has to decide in the moment whether she will provide an honest answer for the student, or stay silent. The play unfolds as a series of docu-style monologues — each character portrayed by a single actor.

In a cultural moment marked by book bans and curriculum restrictions, THE LESSON theatricalizes this timely public conversation regarding children and their access to complex but crucial education — be it about African American history, gender diversity, or quality sex education.

THE LESSON was originally conceived, written, and performed by Tyrone Davis, Jr. as a participant in the Vision Residency at ARS NOVA in New York City, directed by Henry Gottfried. The play was granted a further developmental opportunity as a selected work for the Vineyard Arts Project residency in Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard. THE LESSON has been performed in New York City (Ars Nova, First Unitarian Congregation Society of Brooklyn), Lebanon, New Hampshire (JAG Productions), and Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts (Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse).