When you go to the theater, of course you do so to be entertained, but imagine how much more fulfilling the experience would be to also learn the story of a historic based event that showed the pride, dignity, and determination of Black women in 1881 Atlanta. That is what you get when you go to see “The Wash” by Kelundra Smith. Smith demonstrates that she is a playwright of great substance with this brilliantly crafted production which tells the story of a historic event that most of us, I’m sure, don’t know about: the Atlanta Washerwomen Strike of 1881. The way that Smith weaves this story together is quite engrossing to behold. She gives us five Black female characters and one white female character, all of which are employed as washerwomen in Atlanta and who clean clothing for rich white people.
When you meet Anna who, along with Jeanie, works with three other Black washerwomen, Charity, Jewel and Thomasina, Anna is concerned that the white families have not been paying the women for their work for some time. These women have to support their families and pay their bills with money that is simply not being paid. After a desperate attempt to ask for the wages, the women experience complete failure, are threatened, and basically find that the white people are agitated that these Black women have the nerve to want to get paid. When Anna leads the women to decide to strike and bring other women into the strike, since every Black washerwoman is facing the same problems, the movement takes on a life of its own, which exposes the women to danger, violence, and great hardship.
This New Federal Theatre production is exactly what you would expect from this marvelous theater company: It is powerful and relevant, and it declares the strength, steadfast resolve, and dynamic energy and perseverance that Black women have had to have and maintain to make sure that their families are taken care of. It also addresses — since there were also white washerwomen experiencing the same challenges as the Black washerwomen — how a common cause can bring the races together for a common good.
The cast is absolutely stunning to watch. These ladies are determined, at times funny, and also poignant. Eunice Woods is steadfast, focused, and dynamic as Anna, the leader of the movement. Bianca Laverne Jones is versatile as Jeanie, Anna’s close friend, who at first worried about the women fighting for their rights. Margaret Odette is conflicted as Thomasina, a mother/wife struggling on so many different fronts. Alicia Pilgrim is compelling as Charity. Kerry Warren delivers a strong, memorable performance as Jewel. Rebecca Haden delivers a riveting performance as Mozelle. The production has seamless, engaging direction by Awoye Timpo. There is detailed scenic design by Jason Ardizzone-West, costume design by Gail Cooper-Hecht, lighting design by Victor En Yu Tan, sound design by Bill Toles, projection design by Abhita Austin, along with choreography by Adesola Osakalumi and Jill M. Vallery.
For tickets visit newfederaltheatre.com.