2021 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s new Afro-surrealist play premieres at The Public about three generations of Black women living through the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan. It’s been 936 days since Flint has had clean water. Marion, a third-generation General Motors employee, is consumed by layoffs at the engine plant. When her sister, Ainee, seeks justice and restitution for lead poisoning, her plan reveals the toxic entanglements between the city and its most powerful industry, forcing their family to confront the past-present-future cost of survival. As lead seeps into their home and their bodies, corrosive memories and secrets rise among them. Will this family ever be able to filter out the truth? Directed by Lilly Award winner Candis C. Jones, cullud wattah blends form and bends time, diving deep into the poisonous choices of the outside world, the contamination within, and how we make the best choices for our families’ future when there are no real, present options. cullud wattah comes to us from the same playwright and director duo behind the thrilling digital production of shadow/land.
COVID Safety Information:
All ticket holders are required to show proof of a complete FDA or WHO authorized vaccination for access into the facility and theaters. Complete vaccination is also required for all theater staff and artists. A complete vaccination means having received a final FDA or WHO vaccination dose at least 14 days before the performance date. Proof along with a government issued photo I.D., such as a driver’s license, passport or IDNYC is also required. The access policy for those under 12 and those that require a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or religious belief, will be available by mid-September. There will be no vaccination exemption for anyone attending a performance in Joe’s Pub. Approved face masks will be required for everyone at all times inside the facility and theaters, including while watching a performance, except while actively eating and drinking. All policies are subject to change at The Public’s sole discretion and without notice. Those that do not abide by any health and safety protocols will be denied entry or removed from the facility.
