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.

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

  • Stefan Brün: The Wash by Kelundra Smith
    “

    It will be a major privilege to follow this Atlanta play - through St. Louis - and then welcome it in Chicago as both theatrically and historically this play stands out: anyone who has ever organized among their own community of working people will recognize the struggle the two leading women negotiate - founding the first laundry-workers union. At every turn, this story strains at the bonds of the time it is in, speaking to team efforts today. History, and leadership dynamics, both still woefully underrepresented.

    It will be a major privilege to follow this Atlanta play - through St. Louis - and then welcome it in Chicago as both theatrically and historically this play stands out: anyone who has ever organized among their own community of working people will recognize the struggle the two leading women negotiate - founding the first laundry-workers union. At every turn, this story strains at the bonds of the time it is in, speaking to team efforts today. History, and leadership dynamics, both still woefully underrepresented.

    ”
  • Rachel May: The Wash by Kelundra Smith
    “

    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.

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

Development History

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

Production History

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