The story of Boston's women's suffrage movement and its portrayal on stage is a fascinating journey, one that has faced its fair share of challenges. Company One, a theater company with a mission to promote social justice and community building, has stepped up to ensure this important narrative continues to be told.
The Power of Theater
Theater has the unique ability to bring history to life, and in this case, it's a history that deserves a wider audience. The play, "A New Era," centers on a pivotal moment in 1895 when seven Black women, led by the remarkable Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, strategized to unite women from across the country with differing views and priorities. This play is a testament to the power of coalition-building and the potential for change when diverse voices come together.
A Story Worth Telling
What makes this play particularly captivating is the focus on Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, a woman ahead of her time. Ruffin, a renowned abolitionist, suffragist, and newspaper editor, understood the importance of alliances and the potential for white women in the suffrage movement to support anti-lynching legislation. Her passion and determination to create change are inspiring, and it's a story that, as playwright ADEkoje puts it, "few people have ever heard of."
The Impact of Budget Cuts
Unfortunately, budget cuts and staffing changes at the National Park Service, driven by the Department of Government Efficiency, led to the loss of funding for this important series. However, Company One saw an opportunity to step in and ensure the story was told. Summer L. Williams, the associate artistic director, felt it was a perfect fit for their mission and an important contribution to the 250th Anniversary celebrations.
A Multiracial Approach
One of the key insights from the play is Ruffin's grasp of the power of a multiracial approach to effecting change. She understood that by uniting with white women in the suffrage movement, they could achieve their goals and improve the lives of all women. This strategy is a powerful reminder that coalition-building is essential for progress, and it's a lesson that resonates strongly today.
The Irony of Funding
Ironically, the creation of this play was funded by a government that is now attempting to remove what it deems "improper ideology" and erase Black history from federal institutions. ADEkoje highlights the importance of the National Park Service's funding and their role in preserving the truth of our country's history. It's a stark reminder of the value of arts funding and the potential consequences when it's threatened.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, there's hope for the future of this series. Patrick Gabridge, the producing artistic director at Plays in Place, remains optimistic about producing the third installment, "Nothing But Victory!" Written to be performed at Faneuil Hall, this play continues the story of the suffrage movement and the debates and compromises that followed the failure of an amendment to grant women the right to vote in Massachusetts.
The theater's ability to engage with history and spark important conversations is a powerful tool, and it's one that Company One is utilizing to its fullest potential. This series is a testament to the resilience of the arts and the dedication of those who believe in their power to educate and inspire.
