In Defense of Ourselves by Nikki Brake-Silla

"In Defense of Ourselves" occurs across three crucial time periods for Black America. Mary Church Terrell and Ida B. Wells-Barnett prepare for the Women's Suffrage March of 1913. In 1954, Mary and her grandson protest segregated eating establishments in Washington, DC., one year before Emmet Till's lynching and eleven years before the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The play concludes on November...
"In Defense of Ourselves" occurs across three crucial time periods for Black America. Mary Church Terrell and Ida B. Wells-Barnett prepare for the Women's Suffrage March of 1913. In 1954, Mary and her grandson protest segregated eating establishments in Washington, DC., one year before Emmet Till's lynching and eleven years before the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The play concludes on November 9, 2016, when a conversation between two women leads to clarity after a recent turn of events.
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In Defense of Ourselves

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Mary Church Terrell, (50) daughter of wealthy, former slaves. Oberlin educated, close friends
with "Webbie" W.E.B. DuBois, fluent in German and French
Ida B. Wells-Barnett, (51) former slave, school teacher, loud, militant, lonely. She has resolved herself that being liked and being heard are strange bedfellows.
Alice Paul (28) , a means well white suffragist

Mary Church Terrell, (80s) one generation removed from slavery, daughter of wealthy former slaves. Oberlin educated, close friends with "Webbie" W.E.B. DuBois, fluent in German and French
Ray (10), Mary's grandson, in order to go to his grandmother's house in the summer had to go with her to the picket lines.

Karen, (30-60s), white woman always wants to speak to the supervisor, proud member of the Pantsuit nation
Tiana (30s-40s), great-great-grandaughter of Ida B. Wells-Burnett, tired of Karen's shenanigans

Development History

  • Commission
    ,
    Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival
    ,
    2020