Having Our Say: Official Audience Guide

AUDIENCE STUDY GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS About Sarah and Elizabeth Delany………………………………...…..1 A Message From the Director (Laiona Michelle)..........................2 Story Overview……………………………………………………………..3 The Family Tree……………………………………………………………..4 What is Documentary Theater?..................................................5 Lives that spanned the entire 20th Century……………………….…..6 About Amy Hill Hearth (Memoir Author)..……………...…………….8 About Emily Mann (Playwright)…………....……………..…………….9 Timeline of Reconstruction (In Brief) …………………………………..10 Glossary of Terms…………………………………………………….……12

About

Sarah and Elizabeth Delany for Black people, particularly women, were severely limited.

Sarah Louise “Sadie” Delany and Annie Elizabeth “Bessie” Delany, also known as the Delany sisters, were two remarkable Black women whose lives spanned more than a century of American history. Born in the late 19th century, Sadie and Bessie challenged racial and gender stereotypes throughout their lives in ways that were at once every day and casual and at the same time barrier breaking and historical.

Their story is a testament to resilience, determination and the enduring spirit of sisterhood.

Sadie was born in 1889, and Bessie was born in 1891. Sadie became one of the first Black women in the United States to earn a dental degree, graduating from Columbia University. Bessie pursued a career in education and was one of the first Black women to work as a high school teacher in New York City. Their achievements were especially notable in an era when opportunities

However, it was their joint memoir, “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years,” co-authored with writer Amy Hill Hearth, that brought them widespread recognition. Published in 1993 when Sadie was 103 and Bessie was 101, the book became a bestseller and a cultural phenomenon. The Delany sisters shared a century’s worth of wisdom, experiences and observations, offering a unique perspective on American history.

“People are always asking us how we’ve lived past one hundred.

I say “We never married. We never had husbands to worry us to death!”

- Bessie Delany

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Artistic Statement Laiona Michelle

“The Truth Will Set You Free” Emily Mann has created an American history play that is relevant, necessary, and true. A lot of what is covered in the history books can oftentimes feel ancient and out of touch. In Having Our Say you get a first-hand account of a century of living told through two eyewitnesses, Sadie and Bessie Delany.

As the director, I believe it is my responsibility to serve the play by telling the truth so that the audience will look back on history through fresh lenses.

Directing Having Our Say is truly personal to me. Being a Black woman, I often struggled with my identity and my worthiness in this country. For that reason, I am deeply drawn to this play. Early history books were not written by my ancestors therefore I often questioned the accounts from which they were told. This is the sole reason why I became an artist. I needed to have a seat at the table to own, shape, and tell the truth of my narrative.

As a young artist, in my early 20s, I made an effort to interview my grandfather, Dudley Smith. He was nearing his final days at the ripe age of 90. My grandfather came to this country from Kingston, Jamaica with a 3rd-grade education. He and my grandmother raised 10 children, owned debt-free property, and had one of the first Black businesses in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was one of my biggest inspirations. During my daily interviews with my grandfather, I later learned that he suffered from dementia and I noticed that his accounts of his life changed drastically. I began to question the truth. I feared so much would be lost for the next generation. When he passed away I thought I had nothing to hold onto. I was wrong. I can now look back on those interview tapes today acknowledging that although the stories changed, the values that he instilled into all of his children and grandchildren are rooted in our core. He taught us to honor God, be good citizens, respect our elders, value education, save money, work hard, and always tell the truth. Hearing the Delany Sisters share their values and experiences not only pulls the curtain back on history but demands that we all examine who we are as humans. I truly hope the audience will walk away with a deeper conversation on our values as Americans and a more optimistic view of who we are as a country.

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Story Overview “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years” is a memoir that offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the lives of Sarah Louise Delany and Annie Elizabeth “Bessie” Delany, two Black sisters who lived through a century of American history. The book, co-authored with journalist Amy Hill Hearth, was published in 1993 when Sarah was 103 years old and Bessie was 101. Through their engaging and incredibly witty storytelling, the Delany sisters share their remarkable journey from their childhood in the late 19th century to their centenarian years in the 20th century.

The memoir is a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes, family stories, and historical commentary. It chronicles the sisters’ experiences growing up in the racially segregated South, the birth of Jim Crow, their migration to the north, their pursuit of education and successful careers, and their perspectives on key moments in American history. Their resilience, humor, and unwavering optimism in the face of adversity and racism make “Having Our Say” a touching and inspirational tribute to these women, their family and everyone their lives touched.

The book originated from a chance meeting between journalist Amy Hill Hearth and Sarah and Bessie Delany in the early 1990s. Amy Hill Hearth was assigned to write a newspaper article about centenarians, and during her research, she came across the Delany sisters, who were living in Mount

Vernon, New York. Immediately struck by their vivacity, intelligence, and remarkable stories, Hearth decided that their story deserved more than just a newspaper feature.

Amy Hill Hearth began a series of interviews with the Delany sisters, delving deep into their past and recording their experiences and insights. Over time, the relationship between the author and the Delany sisters grew strong, and the sisters felt comfortable sharing their personal history with Hearth. The result was a treasure trove of anecdotes, observations, and reflections on a century of American history and social change. Hearth’s interviews and interactions with the Delany sisters provided the foundation for the memoir. The book, “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years,” was published in 1993. It quickly gained widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative style, the unique perspective of the Delany sisters, and its portrayal of a century of African American history.

In 1995, “Having Our Say” was adapted into a play by Emily Mann, a prominent playwright and director. The play premiered at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, before moving to Broadway. The production starred actresses Mary Alice and Gloria Foster as Bessie and Sarah Delany, respectively. The play’s success on Broadway was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Delany sisters’ story and their ability to connect with audiences.

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Delany Family Tree Mrs John Logan (White)

An enslaved man

Elia Logan

Jordan Motley (White)

Thomas Sterlin Delany

Martha Logan

Sarah (Native)

James Milian (White)

Henry Beard Delany (born 1856)

(Married 1886)

Lemeul Thackara, oldest brother, (Born 1887)

Sadie (Sarah Louis) (Born Sept 19, 1889)

Bessie (Annie Elizabeth) (Born Sept 3, 1891)

Julia (Born Sept 19, 1893)

Hap (Born Sept 19, 1895)

Lucius (Born Sept 19, 1897)

Manross (Born Sept 19, 1899)

Hubert (Born Sept 19, 1901)

Laura (Born Sept 19, 1903)

Sarah Logan

Samuel Ray (Born Sept 19, 1905) KEY = Married

= Child (Children) of 4

What is Documentary Theater?

Having Our Say is a documentary theater piece, which is to say it is constructed wholesale out of the words of the Delany Sisters. Documentary theater is a form of work that brings real life stories, events, people and experiences to the stage. Rooted in the concept of verbatim theater, this style aims to present factual narratives with authenticity sometimes reaching deep into history or sometimes telling stories of recent events.

Documentary theater uses a blend of interviews, testimonials, news articles, court documents, police records and other primary source materials to create a theater piece that gives an unfiltered representation of real life, real events and real social issues.

Although the term “documentary theater” gained prominence in the 60’s and 70’s, the form has roots in projects such as “The Living Newspaper” series produced by the Federal Theater Project in the 1930’s which took current events and news articles and turned them into dramatic presentations. In the late 20th century, documentary theater artists such as Anna Deavere Smith, Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen and Tectonic Theater Project have contributed to the forms popularization.

Here are some modern examples of documentary theater pieces which have had a deep impact on culture over the last 30 years: • The Laramie Project: This groundbreaking work by Moisés Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project explores the aftermath of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. The play is constructed from interviews with residents of Laramie and presents an account of the impact of the crime on the community.

• The work of Anna Deavere Smith: Anna Deavere Smith is renowned for her documentary theater pieces such as Fires in

the Mirror which explores the 1991 Crown Heights riot, and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992, which delves into the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict. Smith conducts interviews with a wide range of people and presents their verbatim words on stage, meticulously studying not only the words but also the physical mannerisms of her subjects.

• The work of Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen: Artistic and life partners, Jessica and Erik create work from in depth interviews, research and court documents. The Exonerated was a play that shed light on the harrowing experiences of wrongfully convicted individuals who were later exonerated and was based on interviews with former death row inmates. “Coal Country” was based on interviews with miners and their families affected by the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster in West Virginia. And lastly, most recently The Line was a theater piece which focused on the healthcare professionals working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Execution of Justice is an ensemble play

by Emily Mann chronicling the case of Dan White, who assassinated San Francisco mayor George Moscone and openly gay city supervisor Harvey Milk in November 1978. The play was originally commissioned by the Eureka Theatre Company, but premiered at Arena Stage on May 10, 1985.

Documentary theater puts the power of storytelling back into the hands of the people who experienced the events. In this way it gives a way for voices that might not be heard in the theater to be lifted up. Akin to journalism, documentary theater leans upon extensive research and attempts to be as close to reality as possible, in order to foster empathy and connection for an audience.

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Lives that spanned the entire 20th century: A Sampling of historical events that occurred during the women’s lives 1890s: • 1890 - The Wounded Knee Massacre marks the end of the Indian Wars in the United States.

• 1898 - The Spanish-American War begins, resulting in the acquisition of territories like Puerto Rico and the Philippines by the United States.

1900s: • 1903 - The Wright brothers achieve the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight.

1910s: • 1912 - The Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage.

• 1914-1918 - World War I takes place, involving many countries and resulting in significant changes to the global political landscape.

• 1917 - The Russian Revolution leads to the overthrow of the Romanov dynasty and the rise of the Bolsheviks.

• 1919 - The Treaty of Versailles officially ends World War I and establishes the League of Nations.

1920s: • 1920 - The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grants women the right to vote.

• 1929 - The Wall Street Crash triggers the Great Depression, a worldwide economic downturn.

1930s: • 1933 - The Prohibition era in the United States comes to an end with the 21st Amendment.

• 1939 - World War II begins with the German invasion of Poland.

1940s: • 1941 - The United States enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

• 1945 - The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki leads to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. • 1947 - India gained independence from British rule.

• 1949 - The People’s Republic of China is established under Communist rule.

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Lives that spanned the entire 20th century: A Sampling of historical events that occurred during the women’s lives (Part 2) 1950s: • 1950-1953 - The Korean War takes place, resulting in the division of Korea into North and South.

• 1954 - The U.S. Supreme Court issues the Brown v. Board of Education decision, ending racial segregation in public schools.

• 1959 - Fidel Castro leads a revolution in Cuba, establishing a communist regime.

1960s: • 1963 - The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom takes place, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech.

• 1969 - Apollo 11 lands on the moon.

1970s: • 1972 - The Watergate scandal unfolds, leading to the resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon.

• 1979 - The Iranian Revolution results in the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic Republic.

1980s: • 1989 - The fall of the Berlin Wall marks the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.

• 1989 - The Tiananmen Square protests in China are violently suppressed.

• 1989 - The World Wide Web was invented.

1990s: • 1991 - The Soviet Union dissolves, leading to the independence of several former Soviet republics.

• 1993 - The European Union is formally established.

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About Amy Hill Hearth Amy is perhaps best known for her novel “Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years,” co-authored with Sarah L. Delany and A. Elizabeth Delany. Amy’s writing not only preserves these priceless historical narratives but also encourages a broader dialogue on equality and justice.

“The lord says money is evil and he is right!

Amy Hill Hearth is a writer and journalist renowned for her captivating storytelling and insightful exploration of human experiences. With a career spanning several decades, she has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and journalism. Amy’s journey in the field of writing began as a newspaper reporter and her early work showcased her talent for delving deep into the heart of stories, capturing the essence of the human condition and shedding light on important social issues.

Money is the root of every mess you can think of, including slavery.

Greed! Profiting off the backs of others!”

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About Emily Mann at prominent theaters across the United States and have earned critical acclaim for their powerful storytelling and meaningful messages. Mann also served as the Artistic Director and Resident Playwright of the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, where she curated a diverse array of productions and nurtured emerging playwrights.

Emily Mann is an American theater artist known for her impactful contributions as a playwright, director, and artistic leader. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mann’s career has been marked by her dedication to social and political themes and her commitment to using theater as a platform for promoting dialogue and change.

Mann is renowned for her thoughtprovoking plays that tackle complex subjects such as gender, race, history, and human relationships. Her works often highlight the voices of women and marginalized communities, shedding light on their experiences and struggles. Mann’s plays, including “Execution of Justice,” “Having Our Say,” and “Annulla, An Autobiography,” have been staged

With a remarkable ability to merge art and activism, Emily Mann has illuminated the power of theater to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and incite positive change. Her dedication to using storytelling as a catalyst for conversations on social justice has cemented her legacy as a trailblazing theater artist who continues to inspire audiences and creators alike.

“Education!

Education, child.

Education always makesthe difference!”

- Bessie Delany

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Timeline of Reconstruction Jim Crow and Civil Rights Movement (in brief) Reconstruction Era (1865-1877): • 1865: The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishes slavery.

• 1866: The Civil Rights Act of 1866 grants citizenship and equal rights to all persons born in the United States, regardless of race.

• 1867: The Reconstruction Act of 1867 divides the South into military districts and mandates new state constitutions that provided suffrage to Black men.

Late 19th Century: • Late 1860s-1870s: Southern states begin implementing Black Codes, which restrict the civil rights and economic opportunities of Black citizens.

• 1876: The U.S. presidential election ends Reconstruction, and federal troops are withdrawn from the South.

• Late 19th century: Jim Crow laws, named after a minstrel character, begin to take shape, enforcing racial segregation and discrimination in public facilities, transportation, and education.

Early 20th Century: • 1896: In the case of Plessy v. Ferguson, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds “separate but equal” accommodations, providing legal support for segregation.

• Early 1900s: Southern states enact “grandfather clauses,” poll taxes, and literacy tests to disenfranchise Black voters.

• 1915: The Birth of a Nation, a highly racist and influential film, premieres, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

World War I and the 1920s: • WWI: Many Black soldiers serve in the war and return with heightened expectations for civil rights.

• 1920: The 19th Amendment grants women the right to vote but does not guarantee suffrage to Black women due to discriminatory practices.

• 1921: The Tulsa Race Massacre occurs, resulting in the destruction of a prosperous Black community.

Great Depression and World War II: • 1930s-1940s: The Great Depression and WWII created economic opportunities and increased political awareness among Black Americans.

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Timeline of Reconstruction Jim Crow Crow and Civil Rights Movement (in brief) (Part 2) • 1941: A. Philip Randolph threatened a march on Washington, leading to Executive Order 8802, which bans racial discrimination in defense industries.

• 1948: President Harry Truman desegregated the U.S. military.

1950s: • 1954: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, overturns the “separate but equal” doctrine in public education.

• Late 1950s: The Civil Rights Movement gains momentum with the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the formation of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

1960s: • 1960: The Greensboro sit-ins spark a wave of nonviolent protests against segregation at lunch counters.

• 1961: The Freedom Riders challenge segregation in interstate transportation.

• 1963: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom occurs, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

• 1964: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is signed into law, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

• 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is passed, eliminating discriminatory voting practices.

• 1968: The Fair Housing Act is passed, prohibiting housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin.

• 1968: The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads to widespread civil unrest.

1970s and Beyond: 1971: The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18.

1980s: The Civil Rights Movement continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to address racial disparities and promote equality.

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Glossary of Selected Terms Auntie: A put-down white people used to refer to colored women.

Birth of a Nation: “Birth of a Nation” is a racist silent film released in 1915, directed by D.W. Griffith. It was a landmark in cinema history for its technical innovations, and also portrayed Black people with deep racism while glorifying the the Ku Klux Klan.

Daughters of the American Revolution: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based women’s organization in the United States that promotes patriotism, historic preservation, and education, with membership typically requiring direct descent from an American Revolutionary War patriot and often exclusionary of Black Americans.

Episcopal Church: The Episcopal Church is a Christian denomination within the Anglican tradition of the church.

Freeing child: A term referring to someone who is sensitive, emotional, and outspoken.

Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement that took place in the 1920s in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, where African-American literature, music, art, and culture flourished.

Issue-free negro: Someone who has Negro blood but whose mother was a free person, not a slave. A Black person is one who is light-skinned enough to pass but does not.

Jim Crow: Jim Crow refers to a system of state and local laws, as well as informal practices, that enforced racial segregation, discrimination and oppression in the Southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, perpetuating racial inequality and disenfranchisement of Black Americans.

Lift Every Voice and Sing: “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is often referred to as the Black national anthem and is a song that celebrates resilience, unity, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights within the African-American community.

Mama’s Child: A term referring to someone who is calm, agreeable, and follows around their mother like a shadow.

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Glossary of Selected Terms Part 2

Rebby boys: A term referring to white racist men, short for “rebel.”

The Great Depression: The Great Depression refers to the severe and prolonged economic downturn that gripped the United States and much of the world during the 1930s, characterized by widespread unemployment, bank failures, and economic hardship.

The Surrender: The end of slavery in 1856.

Uncle or boy: A put-down term that white people used to refer to colored men.

Women’s Suffrage: Women’s suffrage refers to the historic movement advocating for women’s right to vote, which culminated in the granting of voting rights to women in various countries, including the United States with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

World War One: World War One was a global conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918, involving many nations and alliances.

World War Two: World War Two was another global conflict that took place from 1939 to 1945, involving the majority of the world’s nations, including the Allied who defeated Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

“Oppressed people have a good sense of humor” - Bessie Delany

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