Actress Nikki M. James (NMJ) plays the captivating role of historic figure Ida B. Wells in “Suffs” on Broadway at the Music Box, located at 239 W. 45th Street. James brings a great deal of power, ferocity, and intensity to the role. She shows how Black women played an integral role in white women gaining the right to vote—although even when the right was won, Black women could not benefit from it. James demonstrates the frustration and sacrifices Black women made in this American story. She recently took out time to speak with the AmNews about performing this incredible character.
AmNews: How did you come to do this role?
NMJ: I was working on Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of “Twelfth Night” for the Public Theater’s Public Works program at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It was a magical experience from start to finish, and I loved working with Shaina and singing her music. When I asked her what she had up her sleeve, she told me about a musical she was developing about the women’s suffrage movement. I’m sure I said something like, “Tell me more,” because actors are always looking for our next job [ha!]. In all seriousness, her passion for this project excited me, and when she asked me to be a part of a small, informal sing-through of a first draft, I said YES. It was a thrilling day in January of 2018 when just five singers sang 45 or so minutes of what was to become “Suffs.” I just kept saying yes to her as Shaina [who did the book, music, and lyrics] and Leigh [Silverman, the director] continued to do this work. I’m so glad I did.
AmNews: How did you prepare to do this character, who is based on a real person?
NMJ: Lucky for me, Ida wrote a lot. Her writing is stirring, incisive, and fearless. I also read scholarship about her by other authors. It’s a lot to digest. Of course, I wanted to gather as much factual information about Ida as I could. And why not? She’s a fascinating and inspiring person. At some point, I put all the research aside, trusted that I knew who Ida was, and then approached the character of Ida as she exists in “Suffs” the same way I would with a fictional character. I had to find Ida in my body and my voice. Still, I find myself revisiting Ida’s own words. It’s nice to have that touchstone as we enter what I hope is a very long run.
AmNews: What do you think is the significance of Ida B. Wells’ character in history and in informing people that Black people were part of a fight from which they could not benefit?
NMJ: When tackling any part of American history, it’s important to recognize and highlight the people who participated in these big moments, whose names have either been forgotten or whose contributions have been minimized or ignored. It’s too easy to focus on the names of those who have historically been written in bold. I was so glad to find that in trying to dig into the unsung story of the women who fought for women’s right to vote. Shaina didn’t make the mistake of ignoring Black women’s contribution.
AmNews: What message is your character giving about the issues Black people faced at that time?
NMJ: I don’t imagine that the marginalization of and violence toward Black people in the 1900s will come as any surprise to the audiences who see “Suffs.” I hope that our show highlights the vigor and courage of civil rights activists like Ida and Mary [Church Terrell]. Black leaders in the 1900s, men and women alike, were writing, fighting, organizing, and agitating—people whose names we don’t know but whose work we reap the benefits of every single day.
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AmNews: Every number is a showstopper. How do you all keep up the energy?
NMJ: Keeping up the energy is a discipline you learn as a theater actor. Remembering that the audience is experiencing this show for the first time really helps. We also get by with a lot of work offstage, be it voice lessons, physical therapy, good coffee, and LOTS and LOTS of laughter. This company of actors is genuinely a blast to be around, so we’re very good at lifting each other up.
AmNews: How do you want women and girls in the audience to feel?
NMJ: I hope they feel seen; I hope they feel proud; I hope they feel angry; I hope they feel inspired; I hope they feel hopeful.
AmNews: What are things that we as women can do to make things better for ourselves, especially as Black women?
NMJ: I certainly can only speak to this from my unique position. But since you asked, I would offer that the first step to making things better would be for people from all backgrounds to be less afraid of conversation. We certainly can’t solve any problems if everyone is too afraid to have honest conversations with one another—respectful discussions with the intention of really being open and willing to hear one another.
AmNews: Nikki, where is your family from and how were you raised as a young Black girl?
NMJ: I was raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents. My mother is from Haiti, and my father is from St. Vincent. I grew up in a home with many cultural traditions. I was raised to be proud, respectful, and bold. Education was important to my parents, as was following my dreams. My parents have always encouraged my love of the arts and creative expression. I hope I am making them proud.
AmNews: Why should everyone come and see “Suffs?”
NMJ: Great songs, some incredible talent, and a story about the flaws and features of our democracy—this show is both a critique of the system and a celebration of what’s possible. It’s not a history lesson, but you’ll still walk away having learned a few things our textbooks left out.