Watch MyFlixer. In the final days of the American Civil War, Ishmael prepares to leave his life as a slave for freedom. However, before he departs, he has to end the problematic sexual relationship with his master, Mr. Charlie, in order to fully survive in the new world as whole as he can be. Adapted by queer black-Filipino playwright Roger Q. Mason from his original stage play, SOFTER uses a historical lens in order to explore contemporary issues of consent and race within the LGBT community.