“The Agitators”
Written by Mat Smart | Directed by Cheyenne Barboza
Dramaturg: Gilberto Vega
Theatre Horizon, February-March 2020
The Agitators tells of the enduring but tempestuous friendship of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Great allies? Yes. And at times, great adversaries. Young abolitionists when they met in Rochester in the 1840s, they were full of hopes, dreams and a common purpose. As they grew to become the cultural icons we know today, their movements collided, and their friendship was severely tested. This is the story of that 45-year friendship – from its beginning in Rochester, through a Civil War and to the highest halls of government. They agitated the nation, they agitated each other and, in doing so, they helped shape the Constitution and the course of American history.
Gilberto’s scope of work included an interactive lobby display that featured the biographies of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass and the history of suffrage in the United States. Additionally, due to the onset of the pandemic, Gilberto created a virtual dramaturgy presentation on the play’s chronology and themes. created due to the onset of the pandemic.
Dramaturg’s Note:
In 1865, the Rochester Union radically declared, "When universal suffrage* and negro equality render this country the paradise proposed, we shall expect to see Mr. Douglas [sic] President and Miss Anthony Vice President of the United States.” When this was published, all women and all non-white men were legally denied access to the polls.
In 1870 – 150 years ago – black men were granted suffrage with the 15th Amendment, which stated that voting “shall not be denied or abridged…on account of race.”
In 1920 – 100 years ago – white women were granted suffrage with the 19th Amendment, which stated that voting “shall not be denied or abridged…on account of sex.”
Despite the word of law, voter intimidation and discriminatory policies would continue to deny suffrage for: indigenous people until 1924, Asians until 1952, black women until 1965, and non-English speakers until 1975. As you watch this play in 2020, ask yourself how our country should celebrate two anniversaries rooted in the erasure of countless voices and their suffering for suffrage.
*the right to vote in elections