Gee's Bend, by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, is a five-character play that takes place in three different time periods: 1939, 1965, and 2000. It is set in in an isolated area of Alabama, and chronicles the struggles faced by three successive generations of women from the same family.
I began research for the program essay by reading the play, followed by much additional research into the history of Gee's Bend, including the hardships faced by the African-Americans who were first brought there as slaves.
Wilder's play, based on events from actual history, chronicles their struggles and personal triumphs during the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement, concluding with national recognition of their true artistry for the quilts that they create.
During the course of my research, I was amazed by the marvelous quilts created by the women of Gee's Bend, and the Rep production featured an actual Gee's Bend quilt on display in the lobby. I also was privileged enough to see some of them in person when they came to Kansas City, where they spoke and sang some inspirational songs at a special program sponsored by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Macon (Lloyd Goodman) and Sadie (Nikkole Salter)
Photo: Don Ipock
Asia (Starla Benford), Sadie (Nikkole Salter), and Nella (Pascale Armand)
Photo: Don Ipock
