Black and white image of a man giving a speech overlaid on a waving blue and gold flag.
Artwork based off of photos of Maynard Jackson by Bud Smith and the flag of Atlanta, Georgia, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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
duration Approximately 90 Minutes
rating Recommended for ages 8 and older
accessibility Accessible
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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).

Post-Show Discussions: September 24 and 26, immediately following the performances.

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.

The front page of the program for the Ford's Theatre production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard.

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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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