Arena Stage Offers Free Outdoor Play On Civil Rights Activism

When Arena Stage stages Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It! later this month, it’ll be free, outdoors, and featuring two-time Helen Hayes award-winner E. Faye Butler in the lead role.

The production, a 50-minute abridged story of civil and voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer shines a light on the importance of exercising your right to vote in the 2020 election. The production features excerpts of Hamer’s famed speeches; During each performance, the League of Women Voters will be onsite to answer questions and provide voter registration information.

“Fannie Lou Hamer is an unsung American hero. A giant leader of the voting and civil rights movements, she fought back at every turn for the rights of women and Black people. E. Faye Butler brings her to life with her luscious voice and I am so excited to have Fannie Lou Hamer: Speak On It! in Southwest Washington,” shared Artistic Director Molly Smith in a production release.

Speak On It! runs October 23 – October 30, 2020 at Transit Pier Floating Stage at The Wharf (970 Wharf St. SW). Admission is free and ticketed. Social distancing and masks are required. Each performance will be limited to 40 patrons with a limit of four tickets per group. Once seated, audience members will be asked to remain in their seats throughout the performance.