• Old vs. New - As people migrate and new generations are born, there is a clash of old world habits against ideas of modernity. In Seven Guitars, there is a constant tension between: the country and the city, Christianity and traditional African spiritualism, medicine and holistic methods, and the brand of cigarettes people smoke.
• Failed Promises of the American Dream - Throughout Seven Guitars, we see all seven characters face constant social, legal, and financial barriers in pursuit of their respective dreams. Although there were motions toward change, the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was a limited reality.
• Death and Love - Seven Guitars is bookended by death, yet the play is abounding with love and laughter. While death is inevitable it is balanced by moments of care and love.  The connection of both allows for the joy, disappointment, confusion, and connection of life to mean more. 
• Building a Legacy - In Seven Guitars, characters navigate the fine line between honoring the legacies of their parents and establishing their own legacies. Floyd dreams of making a name for himself while Hedley dreams of being the father to the person who will tear down the systems in place in 1948 to oppress Black Americans.

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Content for this page was contributed by Victoria LaFave, Seven Guitars dramaturg.