The Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881 was a real-life historical event in Atlanta’s history where black laundresses took a stand for their rights just weeks before the International Cotton Exposition. This strike became one of the largest interracial labor strikes in post-Civil War America.
On Saturday, June 8, the Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown Atlanta hosted the opening night of “The Wash,” a joint effort with Impact Theatre from Hapeville. The play, set in July 1881, tells the story of the primarily Black Atlanta washerwomen’s strike to fight unfair wages and treatment. The show, running a little more than two hours (including an intermission), is woven together via the set design that the stage hosts. The show’s creative transitions, enhanced by the clothing line’s stage prop, allowed for multiple scene changes with the simple pull of a curtain.
The show speaks on not only the labor strike struggle, but which intersects with the personal lives of the 6 women depicted, showcasing themes of domestic abuse, spirituality, and the LGBTQIA+ struggle in the 19th century. Cast member of “The Wash,” Kenedi Deal, provided insights into the personal connections with her role and the inspiration behind the performance, citing the extensive research and dramaturgical support provided during the production. Deal, said she felt a strong personal connection to her character Jewel, drew much of her inspiration from her own life experiences and family background, saying, “It is hard to find mixed-race, ethnicity roles, but to find something that is so close and hits so home for me is really rare.” Deal found Jewel’s narrative particularly resonant, appreciating the character’s quirks and flaws.
Playwright Kelundra Smith emphasized the significance of “The Wash” in reclaiming historical and cultural foundations that have been suppressed. In reference to why she wrote it, stating, “This story, to me, is so important because one of the ways that I think white supremacy and oppression works is to make us believe that we’re constantly having to start over when you don’t think you have a firm foundation. You don’t think you have a blueprint.” The show was first conceived in 2023 after a one-week workshop and will run until June 30th at the Synchronicity Theatre before resuming at Impact Theatre in Hapeville on July 11th and running through July 28th. “Black people in this country have rich and fertile ground. Workers in this country have rich and fertile ground, and we need to know that the power is ours. We’ve had it, and it’s time to reclaim it,” Smith continued.
The show finds his comedy-footing and for it’s serious subject matter often held it’s opening night audience in hysterical laughter.
Director Brenda Porter discussed her motivations and the impact of directing “The Wash.” When asked about her decision to take on this work, Porter explained, “When I first read this piece, I was intrigued by the women and the writing that Kelundra did. She’s a beautiful writer, and I had never heard the story, and I was just intrigued by these women who, in such a short period of time, were able to gather so many women together and just make a big change.”
Porter highlighted the historical significance and the personal inspiration she drew from the story. She expressed her fascination with the women’s ability to mobilize and create substantial change despite the societal constraints of their time. “They were American women from the South, from Atlanta,” Porter continued.
To purchase tickets, visit Synchronicity Theatre.