Jitney is set in Jitney Station Court 1-9802 on Wiley Avenue in 1977. Four jitney drivers and their boss are under the threat of eminent domain. The youngest driver is Darnell is struggling to make ends meet after returning home from the Vietnam War. Turnbo is a middle-aged man quickly spreads his “facts” to others. Fielding is middle-aged as well and is an alcoholic. In the past Fielding ruined his career as a tailor to Billy Eckstine. Doub is a veteran from the Korean War and is one of the most level-headed of the drivers. Together these men work for Jim Becker, in his 60’s, a retired millworker. As the play unfolds you see these five men interact with the community through phone calls and rides. |