The Dying Declaration of Madge Oberholtzer

by Raegan Payne

In 1925, at the height of the Ku Klux Klan’s power, a 28 year old woman testifies against the Grand Dragon of the KKK. Based on a true story.

In 1925, a 28 year old named Madge Oberholtzer started dating a charming and successful man, named D.C., who had his eye on becoming President. He seemed to match her independent spirit and hunger for an interesting life.

Madge was well educated, witty, and daring. Only...

In 1925, at the height of the Ku Klux Klan’s power, a 28 year old woman testifies against the Grand Dragon of the KKK. Based on a true story.

In 1925, a 28 year old named Madge Oberholtzer started dating a charming and successful man, named D.C., who had his eye on becoming President. He seemed to match her independent spirit and hunger for an interesting life.

Madge was well educated, witty, and daring. Only two years earlier she had driven all the way to California with her best friend when there were virtually no paved roads or service stations.

On March 15th, 1925 D.C. called to ask if she could come see him urgently about her job. They had broken up shortly before, but her job was important so she went. What happened next changed the history of the US, but until now Madge is rarely discussed.

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The Dying Declaration of Madge Oberholtzer

Recommended by

  • Morgan Kinnally: The Dying Declaration of Madge Oberholtzer by Raegan Payne
    “

    Payne’s play is beautiful, moving, and haunting. Madge Oberholtzer is someone who should be remembered who stood up to violence, prejudice, patriarchy, and corruption in America. Payne’s work is thoroughly researched, true to history, and as a drama, it takes your breath away with twists and turns in the story. It is eloquently crafted and plays with time and setting as we are transported to pivotal moments of the main character’s life and trial of the villain. We witness an era that we considered our past but this story powerfully resonates with today.

    Payne’s play is beautiful, moving, and haunting. Madge Oberholtzer is someone who should be remembered who stood up to violence, prejudice, patriarchy, and corruption in America. Payne’s work is thoroughly researched, true to history, and as a drama, it takes your breath away with twists and turns in the story. It is eloquently crafted and plays with time and setting as we are transported to pivotal moments of the main character’s life and trial of the villain. We witness an era that we considered our past but this story powerfully resonates with today.

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, The Scripps Ranch Theatre's New Works Studio, 2017

Awards