Broadway Radio Podcast Summary
Episode: Stagecraft: Kelundra Smith on “The Wash”
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Jan Simpson
Guest: Calundra Smith
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio's Stagecraft, host Jan Simpson engages in an enlightening conversation with Calundra Smith, a seasoned theater journalist and critic who has recently ventured into playwriting. The focus of their discussion centers on Smith's latest work, “The Wash”, a play that delves into a pivotal yet overlooked event in American history.
Overview of “The Wash”
“The Wash” is a dramatization inspired by the true story of the Atlanta Washer Women’s Strike of 1881. Calundra Smith articulates the premise of the play, highlighting its historical significance and contemporary relevance.
“The Wash is inspired by the true story of the Atlanta Washer women's strike of 1881... and they won.”
— Calundra Smith [02:33]
Discovery of the Historical Event
Smith recounts her initial encounter with the story during a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Surprised by the lack of prior knowledge about this event in her Atlanta upbringing, she delved deeper into research, which eventually led to the creation of her play.
“...I saw it, and I thought to myself, I'm born and raised in Atlanta... and I had never heard of this.”
— Calundra Smith [03:40]
Transition from Critic to Playwright
Jan Simpson inquires about Smith's transition from being a theater critic to a playwright—a move that initially seemed unplanned but became a natural evolution driven by her passion for the story.
“...it was like the story needed a medium, but that was bigger than what journalism would allow for me.”
— Calundra Smith [18:16]
Smith admits feeling apprehensive but found support in collaborating with talented artists and dramaturgs, which alleviated her fears and enriched the play's development.
Challenges in Dramatizing the Strike
Smith outlines several key challenges she faced in bringing “The Wash” to life:
- Learning the Craft: Transitioning from reviewing to writing demanded a deep understanding of dramatic structure and storytelling.
- Authentic Southern Storytelling: Balancing traditional dramatic elements with Southern narrative nuances required careful orchestration.
- Movement and Stage Directions: The play's focus on the physical act of washing posed unique challenges in depicting movements authentically on stage.
- Maintaining Contemporary Relevance: Ensuring the period piece resonated with modern audiences without losing its historical essence.
“...finding that balance was really the bulk of the work of setting us in place, but also having the contemporary resonance...”
— Calundra Smith [07:48]
Character Development and Diversity
Central to “The Wash” are its richly developed characters, each representing different facets of African American women's experiences during the Reconstruction era. Smith emphasizes the importance of portraying diverse backgrounds, challenges, and personal lives to humanize the historical narrative.
“These women are fully formed, you know, and they're not only dealing with, like, the wages and the strike, but they have other things happening in their lives...”
— Calundra Smith [08:30]
The inclusion of a white ally character, Moselle, serves to explore interracial solidarity, reflecting nuanced relationships and collaborative efforts during the strike.
“Moselle is as much of an ally she could possibly be in the 19th century and more of an ally than some folks are now.”
— Calundra Smith [11:29]
Nuanced Portrayal of Activism
Smith delves into the complexities of activism, acknowledging that not all participants may be unequivocally committed. By portraying characters with doubts and fears, the play presents a more authentic and relatable depiction of social movements.
“...it's almost like there's this perception, like it's just a part of who we are...”
— Calundra Smith [12:49]
She references Jeray Holder's Too Heavy for Your Pocket as an inspiration for addressing class differences in activism, underscoring the multifaceted nature of social justice endeavors.
Productions and Reception
“The Wash” is part of the New Play Network’s rolling world premiere, with productions spanning Atlanta, St. Louis, New York, and Chicago. Smith expresses delight in observing how different regions interpret and resonate with the play, noting the universal investment of audiences in the characters and their stories.
“...the audience reaction and the way that they are invested in the characters and what happens to them is universal.”
— Calundra Smith [16:25]
The play has successfully ignited audience interest in the historical event, prompting many to seek further information and engage with their own communities.
From Critic to Creator: Navigating Reviews
Smith reflects on the unique position of being both a critic and a playwright. Her background allows her to understand potential biases and blind spots in theatrical critiques, helping her navigate reviews with resilience.
“...when black, and especially black Southern work is reviewed by people who don't live that experience...”
— Calundra Smith [18:16]
Contrary to her fears, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviews appreciating the play's depth and its ability to challenge and provoke thought.
Future Projects: The Reconstruction Trilogy and Beyond
“The Wash” marks the beginning of Smith’s Reconstruction Trilogy, which explores black achievements in post-Civil War Georgia through interconnected narratives focusing on family, popular sovereignty, and social mobility.
- “The Wash” – Social Mobility in Atlanta
- “The Vote” – Popular Sovereignty in McIntosh County, Georgia
- Upcoming Play – [Details to be announced]
Additionally, Smith has other projects in the pipeline:
- “Monarchs”: A Great Migration story set during the Great Depression.
- “Other Paths to God”: A contemporary workplace comedy commissioned by Horizon Theater in Atlanta.
“...it's a part of a trilogy of plays that I'm writing called the Reconstruction Trilogy...”
— Calundra Smith [20:34]
Conclusion
Jan Simpson wraps up the conversation by highlighting the significance of “The Wash” in shedding light on forgotten chapters of American history and its relevance in today’s sociopolitical landscape. Smith encourages listeners to attend upcoming productions and stay informed through her website.
“If folks are interested in the plays and knowing where they'll be produced, I put the different locations and dates on my website, calundra.com.”
— Calundra Smith [23:02]
The episode concludes with an invitation to explore more BroadwayRadio podcasts, promising continued insights into the world of playwrights and theater creators.
Stay Connected:
For more information on “The Wash” and other plays by Calundra Smith, visit calundra.com.