Theatreworks is set to conclude its 2024-25 season with the poignant play “Flyin’ West,” which will run on weekends through July 27 at the Ent Center for the Arts. This production addresses the challenges faced by Black women homesteaders in the late 19th century, offering both a celebration of their resilience and a critical examination of their struggles.
Written by American playwright Pearl Cleage, “Flyin’ West” tells the story of a group of sisters living in the all-Black town of Nicodemus, Kansas, during the 1890s. The play highlights their determination to thrive in the face of adversity, particularly as they confront the ambitions of White settlers who seek to claim their land. Director Marisa Hebert emphasizes that the narrative aims to depict the realities of life on the frontier for Black women during this era.
Hebert explains that the story is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Exodus of 1879, a significant migration of African Americans moving West after the Civil War. Many of these settlers were formerly enslaved individuals, which introduces themes of generational trauma and the lasting impact of slavery. Hebert reflects on this complexity: “A reckoning with, I would say, the generational trauma of what enslavement has meant for the Black community, not so much just the women, but also the men.”
The play does not shy away from the harsh realities of its characters’ lives. It also acknowledges the emotional toll that slavery has had on families, particularly the different burdens borne by men and women. Hebert notes, “Those families just lost each other and themselves,” reinforcing the profound psychological scars left by enslavement.
Yet, “Flyin’ West” is not solely a narrative of pain. It interweaves themes of hope, belonging, and sisterhood. Hebert describes the characters as embodiments of love and support, stating, “I consider it a love story between these three sisters and the matriarch of their family.” The play invites audiences to reflect on the notion of family, emphasizing that it can be defined by choice as much as by blood.
Hebert hopes that the audience leaves with a deeper understanding of Black pioneers in the West and their significant contributions to American history. “What didn’t I learn?” she muses, expressing her own journey of discovery through directing this play. She aims for the audience to grasp the extensive history of Black people in the United States, regardless of geographic origins.
In addition to the historical narratives, Hebert encourages viewers to explore the implications of the Homestead Act, which incentivized settlement in the West. “It’s fascinating,” she adds, reinforcing the play’s connection to broader themes of land ownership and identity.
“Flyin’ West” represents a culmination of Theatreworks’ season, providing both a powerful reflection on the past and a celebration of familial bonds among Black women. As the final performance approaches, the production is poised to leave a lasting impact on its audience, encouraging reflection on history and resilience.
