Presented by Plays in Place and the National Parks of Boston
This play is the first of three plays commissioned by the National Parks of Boston as a part of the Suffrage in Black & White series.
Written by Patrick Gabridge
Directed by Courtney O’Connor
Featuring: Thomika Marie Bridwell, Amanda Collins, Marge Dunn, Bridgette Hayes, Regine Vital, (U/S Aimmee Robinson).
SOLD OUT
August 12-15 2024
ASL Interpretation on Aug. 12 or Aug. 15
Massachusetts State House
24 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02133
Running time: Approximately 75 minutes
BOSTON — The run of A Light Under the Dome presented by Plays in Place ended on August 15. With any luck, the show’s sold-out run and enthusiastic audiences may convince Plays in Place, the National Parks Service, and the honorable Massachusetts Senate members to permit a second run.
SUMMARY: It is the night of February 21, 1838, in Boston, Massachusetts. Exiled Southerner Angelina Grimke (Amanda Collins) becomes the first American woman to address a legislative body. Grimke uses her platform to argue vehemently for the abolition of slavery while asserting the full citizenship of American women. She is supported by her fellow abolitionists Maria Weston Chapman (Marge Dunn), Lydia Maria Child (Bridgette Hayes), Susan Paul (Thomika Marie Bridwell), and Julia Williams (Regine Vital).
A Light Under the Dome is staged in the Massachusetts State Senate Chamber. Audiences are invited into the same room where Grimke made her speech. This short play is a dramatic reenactment of the events of February 21 and the events in the lives of the abolitionists leading up to it.
Plays in Place and the National Parks of Boston have come together with some of Boston’s finest theatremakers to give attendees another great portrayal of America’s history. A Light Under the Dome may be short but it is mighty. Collins leads actors Bridwell, Dunn, Hayes, and Vital in a whirlwind history lesson that tugs the heartstrings and reminds attendees that little has changed for Black people and all women in 200 years. Women are still struggling to access their civil rights; Black people and BIPOC are still oppressed and restrained by the US’s white majority.
The costume design by Amanda Mujica (assisted by Coriana Hunt Schwartz) and the wig design by Rachel Padula-Shufelt are beautiful to see and elevate the performance. The cast looked radiant in their couture dresses in sumptuous fabrics. The strategic placement of buttons and hiding of hook and eye closures kept the dresses looking period. The wigs looked natural and suited the costumes and the script.
The sound design by Andrew Will Duncan was subtle but effective. The angry crowd sounds began lightly and came upon the audience and actors as a natural extension of the performance.
A note to attendees: Performances were in the round. The ceiling lights in the Senate Chamber were on. We could see the actors, the actors could see us, and we could see each other. So, when an audience member fell asleep, we could all see you dropping off. I don’t know how the actors restrained themselves from approaching sleepy patrons and directing their character’s ire at sleepy attendees. They have more strength than I.
All performances were sold out. There was a waiting list. If you don’t know if you’ll be able to stay awake during a performance, please stay home. The talented actors working hard to tell an important story deserve our full attention.
A Light Under the Dome captures an important moment in history when American politics was teetering on the precipice of change. Stories such as this remind an overwhelmed public that good change is possible but not guaranteed without the work of brave agents. I urge you to vote in November (and in all local elections) so that history can be made and to prevent our fathers’ legislative sins from repeating.
Did you know that the public may tour the Massachusetts State House by booking a tour with a guide or on a self-guided tour? One does not need a special occasion to visit the offices our tax dollars pay for. Tours are given weekdays year-round from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free of charge. The MA State House is open weekdays from 8:45 PM to 5 PM. It is closed on weekends and holidays. Go to the State House Tours website or call 617-727-3676 to learn more.
