“The Wash” is a new take on an inspiring chapter in Atlanta history

Instead, the audience is caught up in the mission of these characters, based on the real women who organized the Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881, a successful union protest led by black women throughout the city.

In Kelundra Smith’s sharp screenplay, Anna (Tanya Freeman) owns a house in the Fourth Ward, where she and other laundresses do laundry for many of the townspeople — and yet they don’t get what they’re owed for their work. Many customers completely stiff them or trade them beans and rice, as if black women are on the lowest rung of the economic ladder. Frustrated, the women begin to refuse to work, causing a real stench throughout the city.

But these multi-generational characters do more than protest; they live and breathe. Better yet, they joke and chat, supporting each other in daily difficulties, beyond the strike.

Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford

Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford

All “The Wash” has great chemistry.

In addition to Freeman’s stellar work as protagonist Anna, the series features a stunning performance from Nevaina as Jeanie, a blunt and hilarious older woman who is more interested in other people’s personal affairs than the strike.

After another actress left the part, according to Synchronicity, Nevaina stepped into the role, learning her long dialogues and blocking a week before opening night. She is incredible.

Kenedi Deal, Jamila Turner and Makallen Kelley, playing the three young laundry workers, do beautifully layered work. Smith’s screenplay establishes each character’s individual goals, then lets their differences in background and temperament create natural tension.

In the second act, Charis Sellick appears as a Cabbagetown washerwoman, her race and privilege creating new levels of conflict.

Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford

Credit: Photo by Casey Gardner Ford

Yet some of the most notable scenes in “The Wash” are without any dialogue – scenes that simply show the hard, difficult work these women did together in grueling temperatures for hours on end. It’s remarkable world-building, directed by Brenda Porter and choreographed by Dawn Axam, and it immerses the audience in what’s really at stake.

Kimberly Binns’ use of screen projections during scene transitions helps provide context and the broader impact of the strike, while the play remains squarely focused on these women.

Other design elements of note are L. Nyrobi Moss’s impeccable period costumes, essential in a piece about clean clothing.

Come out to “The wash.” It’s a rich and interesting narrative, inspired by our city.

THEATER REVIEW

“Washing”

At Synchronicity Theater until June 30. 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. Sunday. Adults, $35 to $45; students, $30 to $40. Peachtree Pointe, 1545 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. 404.484.8636, synchrotheatre.com. Also performing at Impact Theater in Hapeville July 10-28. impacttheatreatlanta.org

::

Benjamin Carr is a contributing editor for ArtsATL since 2019 and is a member of the American Theater Critics Association, the Dramatists Guild, the Atlanta Press Club, and the Horror Writers Association. His writing has been featured in podcasts for iHeartMedia, on stage at the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival, and online in the Guardian. His first novel, “Impacted,” was published by Story Plant.

Credit: ArtsATL

Credit: ArtsATL

MEET OUR PARTNER