Chiaroscuro written by Black Arts Movement writer Aishah Rahman, is named after the Italian artistic term referring to a stark contrast between dark and light. The play explores the social implications of such contrast as it relates skin color, specifically within the Black community. The play is set on a love boat-type cruise ship for Black singles where "pretty" means light-skinned, all the men are dark, and Papa Legba, the African trickster spirit, is disguised as a ship steward.