We are less than two weeks away from Inauguration Day, when President and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in (this is not a simulation, QAnon). While the nation will be celebrating this long overdue changing of the guard, American Stage will re-launch a very timely commissioned work by playwright Rachel Lynett—"Letters to Kamala."
As the first leg of American Stage's Digital Theatre Series, viewers can pay $15 to stream the work featuring three pioneering women of color in politics—Charlotta Bass (Dee Selmore), Charlene Mitchell (Renata Eastlick) and Patsy Mink (Mia Tagano). The trio delivers wisdom, perspective and wry humor as they address Madam Vice President, and the cultural significance and psychological weight of her November victory.
“I’m excited because I hope this play will inspire conversations about change, loss and what can best help us move forward together, united as a nation,” Lynett wrote in a release.
Replays of the production—which runs from Jan. 17-23 and costs $15 to stream—is approximately 75 minutes long and is intended for ages 12 and up (there are adult situations and language). The play runs from Jan.17-23.
"’Letters to Kamala’ represents a new way of coming together to create powerful stories that speak to this moment,” CEO/Producing Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte said. “Lynett's digital play, created for American Stage and developed in the weeks leading up to our presidential election, will surprise audiences in the diversity of its perspectives of three significant figures in American political history, while connecting us to the performances of three stunning actresses."
The digital series allows theater lovers to access plays anytime, anywhere while also supporting local talent in these unprecedented times that have shaken the arts as well as every industry. “Letters to Kamala” will be followed up by replays of “Kate – The Unexamined Life of Katharine Hepburn” by Rick Foster in November and “Nosotros La Gente (We The People),” an American Stage-commissioned work by Jerry Montoya.
Snag tickets to the virtual performances via americanstage.org. Grab the popcorn, crack some cold ones and gather the family around the computer or television screen to support local theater during a pandemic.
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This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2021.