Conceived by Marin Ireland, Peter Mark Kendall, Tyler Thomas, and Reggie D. White. Production Design by You-Shin Chen. Production Stage Management by Clarissa Marie Ligon. Associate Direction by Rebecca Kenigsberg. Presented by Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and New Neighborhood.
In solidarity with Crystal Mason and Kim T. Cole.
Striving to rebuild her life after prison, Crystal Mason attempted to vote in the 2016 presidential election but was arrested and accused of casting a fraudulent vote. Unaware that she was stripped of her right to vote while on parole and even though her provisional ballot was never counted, Crystal was sentenced to five more years in prison.
The Commissary worked alongside Crystal and her lawyer, Kim T. Cole, to present a virtual reading of the court transcript from Ms. Mason’s 2018 trial.
For ways to help Crystal in her fight, visit Rattlestick’s advocacy resources page or visit her website directly to make a donation.
Special thanks to our partner theaters across the country: Celebration Theatre, City Theater, Delaware’s Resident Ensemble Players, Dorset Theatre Festival, Fonseca Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Goodman Theater, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Illuminart Productions, Luna Stage, Marin Theatre Company, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Mirrorbox Theatre, Round House Theatre, Studio Theatre (DC), Warehouse Theatre, and The Williams Project.
PRESS
The New Yorker: “Re-Enacting the Trial of a Black Woman Convicted of Voter Fraud” (Nov 2020)
Vulture: “Transcript Turned Script: A Preview of Why Would I Dare’s Courtroom Drama” (Oct 2020)
Tyler Thomas 