Director's notes.

For me, The Lady Smith was a discovery. I had never come across it before. Although, I thought I'd heard of, or seen almost, all of Andrew's plays. It came out of nowhere during my search for this season's production. It came out of nowhere and hit me with the weight and darkness of Nina Simone. I read it. I put it down and stepped away. I picked the script up, read it again and again, put it down and stepped away from it again. I made copies and handed it to everyone in the office saying, "Read this!" The reactions came back to me as varied and as divided as I anticipated. Clearly split down the gender line, but united in the very visceral response, I knew this piece was something that would inspire questions and most defiantly incite debate. But at the root of this story, as in all stories, are people-flawed, lost, frightened people just like ourselves--out there in the world seeking something that would settle their spirits--something that would make them feel alive and safe--something with which to surround their souls.

The fear of losing a thing, or having to face something insurmountable, lives in and around all of us. Ultimately, it is how we face those insurmountable odds that affect where we end up. Music, the blues in particular, has always been seen as a way to process and release pain, turning that pain into something both powerful and beautiful. Some of the most beautiful expressions of pain have come from Black women and the women of the blues. Those expressions can draw a tear, bring a chill and even give birth to a smile. Our story is about one woman's need to find that light which can only come from knowing what lies in the dark and how she uses the spirit of the blues to guide her in her search.

I would like to take this opportunity to offer my deepest appreciation and respect to my cast, who went bravely on this journey with me. And of course special thanks to the support staff and crew, our Board of Governors, volunteers and you, our cherished Black Theatre Workshop audience and our members. It is your constant support that allows us to bring you theatre like The Lady Smith.

Tyrone Benskin

Artistic Director, Black Theatre Workshop