The Power of Perseverance at Acacia Theatre

MILWAUKEE (May 20, 2024) – In The Agitators, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony’s friendship thrives on their shared passion for justice and survives civil war, personal betrayals and the powers that be. Mat Smart wrote the play using facts and source material, but was also inspired by Pepsy Kettavong’s statue Let’s Have Tea, which depicts Anthony and Douglass. In an interview about it, Kettavong stated he doesn’t do “pedestal art,” adding these famous friends believed in equality and taking people off of pedestals, so we all have opportunity.

“Hero worship prevents us from becoming leaders ourselves by inherently making us feel ‘less than’ and not worthy enough,” observes Lori Woodall-Schaufler, who is directing The Agitators. “The Bible shows us how God chose a diverse lot of imperfect people for His mission. This gives me hope! Each of us can benefit others with our unique gift, experience or perspective.”

Woodall-Schaufler is bringing all of those in directing Acacia’s production, as a Christian artist, mother and Black woman. “Racism should not be politicized; it’s a national sin issue which has never been addressed and my family has felt the ongoing effects of that in ways both subtle and overt. It would be transformational for all proud Americans to say, ‘Yes, we do have a great nation with great freedoms, but some of those came at the expense of others, and we need to ensure it never happens again.’”

“People should attend The Agitators because it’s a very good play about the power of perseverance,” Woodall-Schaufler continues. “Through their trials and challenges, Douglass and Anthony still had joy, humor and love. And much of what is said is still relevant; there is still work to do for all of us.”

In keeping with Acacia’s commitment to make theatre more accessible, all tickets for The Agitators are Pay-What-You-Can and can be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995. Performances will be given in The Norvell Commons at St. Christopher’s Church, located at 7845 North River Road, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

Performances
Fri., June 14 at 7:30 PM, Sat., June 15 at 7:30 PM, Sun., June 16 at 3:00 PM, Thu., June 20 at 7:30 PM, Fri., June 21 at 7:30 PM, Sat., June 22 at 4:00 PM, Sun., June 23 at 3:00 PM, Fri., June 28 at 7:30 PM, Sat., June 29 at 4:00 PM, Sun., June 30 at 3:00 PM

Ticket Information
All performances of The Agitators are Pay-What-You-Can. Tickets can be purchased at www.acaciatheatre.com or by calling 414-744-5995.

About Acacia Theatre Company
Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview.  Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God.  More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.