“Cullud Wattah”

CRITIC’S PICK: It’s 2016 and the city of Flint in Michigan hasn’t had clean water for nearly three years. Marion, a longtime General Motors employee awaiting a promotion, is the sole provider for her daughters, elderly mother, and sister. The latter, Ainee, is rocking the boat by blaming the GM plant for poisoning the water supply. Secrets emerge and tensions mount, the synopsis says. Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s play, winner of the 2021 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, explores environmental racism, Afro-surrealism, faith and survival, and according to The Wrap, gives new meaning to the words ‘kitchen sink drama.’ The New York Theatre Guide described it as a “soul-stirring masterwork.” This production is directed by Amanda Washington and the ensemble cast features Actor’s Express veterans Parris Sarter, Terry Henry and Marita McKee. Morgan Crumbly and Kerri Garrett each make their AE debut. Artistic Director Freddie Ashley calls Cullud Wattah “one of the most emotionally impactful plays I have ever seen or read, telling the story of a family of women who survive together through life’s toughest trials.” — Kevin C. Madigan