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.

September 22, 2023 — October 15, 2023

Approximately 90 Minutes

Recommended for ages 8 and older

Accessible

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 50^th anniversary of Jackson’s election of a lifetime, explore Cleage’s evocative depiction of this monumental moment, directed by Seema Sueko (Silent Sky).

“A rich, 90-minute dreamlike journey from which we are reluctant to awake.”
DC Theater Arts

“Chiefly upbeat.”
BroadwayWorld DC

“…as moving as it is informative.”
District Fray

“Not the usual biopic…The audience felt Jackson’s presence.”
The Washington Informer

“…make sure you see it and bring your children and grandchildren. It is important that these stories are remembered.”
MD Theatre Guide

“Anger, exasperation, pride: the whole spectrum of emotions can be found on the Ford’s stage.”
Talkin’ Broadway

“A heartfelt love letter to her friend and former boss…Under the direction of Seema Sueko, the apt ensemble buoys the material with standout performances.”
The DC Line

“The company tells its story well and the story should be heard.”
A Theatergoer’s Thoughts

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

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.

Download PDF

Teachable Moments

Black and white image of a man giving a speech overlaid on a waving blue and gold flag.

Theatre Productions

Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard Lesson Plan 

These lessons aim to equip students with the necessary skills to identify the local problems that concern the residents of D.C.

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

A group of multicultural and intergenerational actors sit and stand at tables in a rehearsal room. One Black actor wearing a brightly-colored jumpsuit stands at center guiding the group, pointing with her right finger.

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

A Black actor joyfully dances with a water bottle in hand in a rehearsal room, as three other multicultural actors look on.

Constance Swain (Citizen 2), background: Kim Bey (Citizen 1), Shubhangi Kuchibhotla (Citizen 8) and Alina Collins Maldonado (Citizen 7) in of the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Five multicultural and intergenerational actors stand with binders in hand in a rehearsal room, excitedly retelling the story of the era leading up to Maynard Jackson’s election.

Shubhangi Kuchibhotla (Citizen 8), Derek Garza (Citizen 9), Kim Bey (Citizen 1), Shaquille Stewart (Citizen 4) and Constance Swain (Citizen 2) in the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Under blue lighting, an Indian American actor plays the piano while a Black actor stands by a brightly-lit window underneath the Abraham Lincoln box.

Billie Krishawn (The Witness) and Shubhangi Kuchibhotla (Citizen 8) on piano in the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Six multicultural and intergenerational actors re-enact a union workers’ riot scene. One Black actor raises his fist with resolve. Next to them is a blackboard reading “Maynard’s Word Is Garbage.”

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

A Black actor wearing a brightly-colored jumpsuit stands center stage with a clicker and a projector, as a picture of Maynard Jackson is projected onto the wall of a rehearsal room. A brick wall is visible above the projection.

Billie Krishawn (The Witness) in the 2023 Ford’s Theatre world premiere production of Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard. Original photo used in projection by Bud Smith. Photo by Scott Suchman.