The cast of the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Photo by Scott Suchman.
The cast of the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard

A world premiere play by Pearl Cleage about the election that changed the game.

date September 22, 2023 — October 15, 2023
Approximately 90 Minutes
Recommended for ages 8 and older

This timely and poignant world premiere production is part of our ongoing Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions program. Playwright Pearl Cleage (Blues For An Alabama Sky, Flyin’ West) explores the election of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor. Cleage sets the play in present-day Atlanta, but soon the story travels back 50 years as citizens of the city recollect and reflect upon the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime election that turned Atlanta into a progressive example of the New South. Cleage’s unique theatrical voice turns Atlanta into a full-blooded character while allowing her audience to feel what it was like to be part of a true historic moment in the Southern capital city. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Jackson’s election of a lifetime, explore Cleage’s evocative depiction of this monumental moment, directed by Seema Sueko (Silent Sky).

Artistic Team

Playwright Pearl Cleage
Director Seema Sueko

Scenic Designer Milagros Ponce de León
Costume Designer Ivania Stack
Lighting Designer Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew
Sound Designer André J. Pluess
Projection Designer Shawn Duan
Hair and Makeup Designer Danna Rosedahl
Dramaturg Faedra Chatard Carpenter
Dialects and Voice Director Lisa Nathans
Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast
Assistant Stage Manager Julia Singer

Cast

Billie Krishawn

The Witness

Kim Bey

Citizen 1

Constance Swain

Citizen 2

Doug Brown

Citizen 3

Shaquille Stewart

Citizen 4

Susan Rome

Citizen 5

Headshot of actor Tom Story.

Tom Story

Citizen 6

Alina Collins Maldonado

Citizen 7

Shubhangi Kuchibhotla

Citizen 8

Derek Garza

Citizen 9

Digital Program

Learn more about Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Read the program before you see the performance.

Teachable Moments

Watch the Trailer

Listen to the Description

We offer audio-described performances for all of our mainstage productions. Audio-Described performances for Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard are Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. Listen below to hear an audio description of the set for this show.

Read the transcription.

From the Gallery

Ford’s Theatre Society
Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard
Host Committee as of September 6

  • The Honorable Charles Allen
  • Dr. LaMar Bagley, Ed.D.
  • The Honorable Anita Bonds
  • The Honorable Muriel Bowser
  • Ms. Joyce Brayboy
  • Ms. Danielle Brown
  • Dr. Giani Clarkson
  • The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver and Mrs. Dianne Cleaver
  • Mr. Theodore (Ted) Colbert III
  • Mr. Art Collins
  • Mrs. Kasey Crowley
  • Mr. Ray Dempsey, Jr.
  • Mr. Lawrence Duncan III
  • Ms. Angie Gates
  • The Honorable Vincent Gray
  • Mr. Michael R. Hemmerich
  • The Honorable Christina Henderson
  • Mrs. Elizabeth Jackson Hodges and Mr. Howie Hodges
  • The Honorable Sven Erik Holmes
  • The Honorable Rodney E. Hood
  • The Honorable Alphonso R. Jackson and Mrs. Marcia Jackson
  • Ms. Sheila C. Johnson
  • Mr. Scott Kirby
  • Mr. and Mrs. Scott Logan
  • The Honorable Kenyan McDuffie
  • Dr. Edna Medford
  • The Honorable Phil Mendelson
  • Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Miles
  • The Honorable Eleanor H. Norton
  • The Honorable Brooke Pinto
  • Ms. Heather M. Podesta
  • The Honorable Steven L. Reed
  • Ms. Teresa Wynn Roseborough
  • Mr. Jermar Rountree
  • The Honorable William Smith, Jr. and Ms. Camille Fesche
  • Mrs. Sherrese Smith-Heyliger and Mr. Adé Heyliger
  • Mr. Paul Tetreault
  • The Honorable Michael R. Turner
  • Mr. Craig Wallace
  • Ms. Iris Weinshall
  • The Honorable Robert C. White, Jr.

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