The Story of Biddy Mason
The Story of Biddy Mason
Based on a short story by Dana Johnson
Adapted for the stage by Annie Loui and Dana Johnson
Directed by Annie Loui
The Story of Biddy Mason is a 90 minute performance in the style of CounterBalance Theater, using projection, music, movement and story to take us through the life of Biddy Mason, an enslaved woman in Mississippi, who walked with her Mormon owner’s wagon train across the country to California in 1848. She worked as a midwife, and a nurse. On arrival in California she found herself living in a state where slavery was illegal. She continued working as before, but was now paid and saved her money. After 10 years she bought real estate in downtown LA - on Spring Street. She became a business woman and then a philanthropist, giving to charities and building schools. She fed and housed the people in her city and was known by all as “Auntie Mason.” The narrative highlights Biddy’s spirituality and her resistance to being defined by her enslavers.
Direction: Annie Loui
Projection/Scenic Design: Morgan Embry
Sound Design: Aerik Harbert
Composition: Mark Caspary
Based on a short story by Dana Johnson
Adapted for the stage by Annie Loui and Dana Johnson
Directed by Annie Loui
The Story of Biddy Mason is a 90 minute performance in the style of CounterBalance Theater, using projection, music, movement and story to take us through the life of Biddy Mason, an enslaved woman in Mississippi, who walked with her Mormon owner’s wagon train across the country to California in 1848. She worked as a midwife, and a nurse. On arrival in California she found herself living in a state where slavery was illegal. She continued working as before, but was now paid and saved her money. After 10 years she bought real estate in downtown LA - on Spring Street. She became a business woman and then a philanthropist, giving to charities and building schools. She fed and housed the people in her city and was known by all as “Auntie Mason.” The narrative highlights Biddy’s spirituality and her resistance to being defined by her enslavers.
Direction: Annie Loui
Projection/Scenic Design: Morgan Embry
Sound Design: Aerik Harbert
Composition: Mark Caspary
