Take the time and dig deep inside yourself. Do you have a hidden prejudice or a fear of people who are not like yourself? Regardless if you do or you don’t, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 years is a phenomenal play presented at the Grand Theatre located at the South City campus.
The creative actresses in the play are Toni Byrd who plays “Sadie Delany” and Rita Martin who plays “Bessie Delany.” These two sisters are over 100 years old and have faced obstacles that we can only imagine. Strong, independent and well educated, they share with us what they have seen in their 100 years.
As the Delany sisters welcome you in their home, you will sit with them and listen as they paint for you a vivid picture of their life story and America’s history. You will be glued to your seats. You will laugh and you may cry, but the emotions are real.
There are many issues that we as a younger generation, have taken for granted, but yet it was a dominant part of history, and shaped the road in which we travel today.
The sisters begin with their ancestors. The Delany sisters were of Caucasian and African American descent. Their mother was only 1/4 black and father was a very dark skin black. Both parents were highly educated. The ladies then go on with their tale of slavery, The ending of slavery, women’s right to vote in 1920, Jim Crow laws, and Booker T. Washington, just to name a few of the issues the Delanys addressed.
When all’s said and done, the sister knock out all the main hindrance the African American community as well as the Caucasian community had to overcome. This is an inspirational play for all races, and a great motivator for women. “Having our Say,” is truly our history, recognizing our country, and the achievements the African American men and women conquered as well as the will power they possess. This production is remarkably fitting as we celebrate black history month. A must see!
Having Our Say: Get your tickets by calling at 801-957-3322 or going to www.the-grand.org
Evening Performances: 7:30 p.m., Saturday Matinees: 2:00 p.m.
Prices: $10.00 – $24.00