Entertainment

Play about Atlanta Washerwomen’s strike travels to New York for off-Broadway debut

‘The Wash’ continues telling live story of labor, resilience and sisterhood
Jamila Turner, Kenedi Deal and Makallen Kelley play Atlanta washerwomen who go on strike in 1881 in the new play “The Wash” by Kelundra Smith. (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)

Credit: Casey Gardner Ford

Jamila Turner, Kenedi Deal and Makallen Kelley play Atlanta washerwomen who go on strike in 1881 in the new play “The Wash” by Kelundra Smith. (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)
June 4, 2025

A historical play based on a 19th century Atlanta women’s labor movement is traveling north for an off-Broadway run after making previous stops in the South and Midwest.

“The Wash,” based on the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881, centers around five Black women who work as laundresses. However, they realize their hard work has been taken for granted as many of their clients pay very little, barter for services with scrap food, or just completely skip payment while still expecting clean clothes and linen. The women band together to form an early version of a union, vowing that they’d strike until they are properly paid.

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Kelundra Smith wrote the play “The Wash,” based on the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881.(Arvin Temkar / AJC file photo)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Kelundra Smith wrote the play “The Wash,” based on the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of 1881.(Arvin Temkar / AJC file photo)

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FILE - The National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall is seen on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Credit: AP

FILE - The National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall is seen on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

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Serenbe, an affluent agriculture community in Fulton County, is known for its organic farming and commitment to optimal land use. Photos courtesy of Serenbe

Credit: Nedra Rhone

Serenbe, an affluent agriculture community in Fulton County, is known for its organic farming and commitment to optimal land use. Photos courtesy of Serenbe

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ExploreReview: ‘The Wash’ is a fresh spin on inspiring chapter in Atlanta history

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Kenedi Deal, Nevaina and Tanya Freeman star in “The Wash,” which is playing at both Synchronicity Theatre and Impact Theatre this summer. (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)

Credit: Casey Gardner Ford

Kenedi Deal, Nevaina and Tanya Freeman star in “The Wash,” which is playing at both Synchronicity Theatre and Impact Theatre this summer. (Courtesy of Casey Gardner Ford)

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siht seirots ruo rehto fo rettelswen erom pihsrebmem rebmem ekil ni eerf rof .stifeneb dna a LTAU emoceB

no no dna ,X LTAU koTkiT .margatsnI wolloF ,koobecaF

About the Author

Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.