by Jennifer Roberts

On Thursday, May 22^nd, George C. Wolfe’s “The Colored Museum” opened at Savannah College of Art & Design’s Atlanta campus to a sold-out show. The cast included Prince William County’s own Genesis B. Graves, a 2024 graduate of Charles J. Colgan High School, who also trained at The Governor’s School Intensive Program. Graves is a freshman Acting major who plays three roles in the production.

Wolfe’s groundbreaking  play was first published in 1986 and was adapted into a film in 191. The satire daringly and unapologetically explores narratives around lived Black American experiences through eleven “exhibits.”  The production holds up a mirror to the lived experiences of Black people around many themes such as slavery, identity, code switching relationships with hair.

The play is directed by Camryn Symone Johnson.  In a statement, Johnson said,  “Directing this play in today’s climate feels both urgent and freeing.  In a time when conversations about race are often filtered through fear or fatigue, “The Colored Museum” dares to laugh, to scream, to sing, and most importantly, to feel.  It reminds us that our history is not a monolith, our stories range from painful to hilarious, from sacred to absurd, and through it all, there is a thread of unbreakable spirit.  This production is a love letter to this spirit.”

“The Colored Museum” runs through May 25^th.  Admission is free but tickets are required and can be purchased on www.eventbrite.com.  

(Jennifer Roberts is a Haymarket resident and founder of the Sawubona School.)