A New Play about Writer, Poet and Author Phillis Wheatley

Basic Black Podcast

Nov. 17

Basic Black: Phillis in Boston

There is a new play in Boston about poet, writer and author Phillis Wheatley. Phillis in Boston centers around Wheatley returning to Boston from London in 1773, after her getting her book published. However, copies of her book are stuck on the Dartmouth--the ship that also transported tea from Britain embroiled in the Boston Tea Party conflict. The play and our episode highlight other moments of Wheatley’s life including her relationship with her enslaver, Susanna Wheatley. Performances of Phillis in Boston are at the historic Old South Meeting House. It's the same gathering place where Wheatley was a congregant. Later in the program, we also feature a series of banners in Roxbury and Dorchester that honor other notable Black women including Marita Rivero, GBH’s former Vice President and General Manager.

Panelists:

Adeola ‘Ade’ Solanke, Playwright of, "Phillis in Boston" and founder and director of Spora Stories.

Kyera Singleton, Executive Director of the Royall House and Slave Quarters in Medford.

Joshua Olumide, Actor who plays Prince Hall.

Adreyanua Jean-Louis, Actor, who plays Phillis Wheatley.

Kristen Pope hosts.