The Wash by Kelundra Smith

In 1881, Black laundresses in Atlanta led a strike weeks before the International Cotton Exposition came to town. Demanding $1/week, the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881 was one of the largest, successful interracial labor strikes of the post-Civil War era. "The Wash" offers an intimate and often funny look at ordinary women who went from workers to fighters– and won.
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The Wash

Recommended by

  • Rachel May:
    18 Dec. 2023
    “ We are excited to co-produce the world premiere of The Wash at Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta. This story is both local and universal; specific to its moment in history and a so relevant to our current moment. Kelundra's voice is sure and strong, with beautifully-crafted women and crackling dialogue. The script also has highly-theatrical elements that can be scaled up or down depending on the size of your theatre. I highly recommend The Wash, and this powerful new writer. ”

Character Information

The maximum cast size only applies if a theater chooses to use an ensemble for scene changes and protest scenes. Colorblind casting is not permissible for this script.

  • Anna
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jeanie
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jewel
    Black or mixed race
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Thomasine
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Charity
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Mozelle
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Synchronicity Theatre
    ,
    2023
  • Workshop
    ,
    Impact Theatre
    ,
    2023
  • Reading
    ,
    Hush Harbor Lab and Essential Theatre
    ,
    2022

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Synchronicity Theatre (forthcoming)
    ,
    2024
  • Professional
    ,
    Impact Theatre (forthcoming)
    ,
    2024