This summer, Synchronicity Theatre and Impact Theatre Atlanta will launch the world premiere of “The Wash.” Written by native Atlantan Kelundra Smith, this new play explores the women behind the 1881 Atlanta washerwomen strike, one of the largest, successful interracial, organized labor strikes of the post-Civil War era.
“The Wash” was originally developed in part by Hush Harbor Lab. Synchronicity and Impact partnered to host a workshop and reading of the play this spring, and will open the world premiere production on June 7. The play will run for four weeks at Synchronicity’s space in midtown Atlanta from June 7-30, and then three weeks at Impact’s space in Hapeville at The Academy from July 10-28.
Smith calls her plays ‘restorative narratives.’ “The Wash” is part of a history trilogy that she is writing, and will mark her first professional production.
“I am the daughter of Black southern parents who are the children of Black southern parents who were the children of Black southern parents,” Smith said. “The geography and culture of the South form my being and inform my work. It looks like pine needles
blowing in the breeze; smells like earth after the rain; sounds like jazz and gospel in equal measure; and tastes like collard greens with turkey necks. This is my American experience.”
Tickets are available at synchrotheatre.com and impacttheatreatlanta.org.
