The Studio@620

★★★★★ The Wash — A Powerful Marriage of History, Humanity, and Storytelling! On October 10, 2026, I had the pleasure of experiencing The Wash at The Studio@620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. What an extraordinary theatrical experience! With an intimate seating capacity of approximately 75, the theater creates an atmosphere where audiences don't simply observe the performance—they become almost like supporting actors, immersed in the unfolding drama. The Wash brings to life a little-known but remarkable chapter in American history: the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen's Strike, a labor movement that began with approximately 20 Black women demanding fair wages and greater control over their working conditions and grew to an estimated 3,000 participants. What makes this story especially compelling is that these women organized just 16 years after the ratification of the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. Rather than simply recounting historical events, this production brilliantly humanizes the struggle through six wonderfully developed characters, each carrying personal burdens, aspirations, contradictions, and extraordinary resilience. Andresia Moseley as Anna delivers a compelling portrayal of a determined organizer whose desperate effort to save her home becomes part of a much larger struggle for economic justice. Even physical violence cannot extinguish her resolve. Jennifer Jenkins as Jeanie brings sharp wit, humor, meddlesome curiosity, and delightful irreverence to the stage. Her character reminds us that even those standing on the sidelines contribute to the human tapestry of a movement. Jada Griffin as Thomasine poignantly portrays a mother confronting domestic abuse and crushing economic hardship. Her need as a mother desperately wanting to escape an unwanted circumstance exposes the painful conflict between collective solidarity and individual survival. Marjorie Joseph as Charity captures the energy, enthusiasm, and determination of a young woman committed to the cause. Her loyalty to the movement is unflappable. Nadine Young as Jewel portrays an educated young woman whose intelligence and personal complexities introduce additional dimensions of identity, relationships, and social expectations. Holly Marie Weber as Mozelle, a White washerwoman, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a woman navigating her own complicated personal history while courageously building trust with her Black counterparts. Her clandestine efforts to recruit White washerwomen demonstrate the power of interracial solidarity in the face of entrenched racial divisions. Together, these six performers transform a historical labor dispute into a deeply human story about courage, sacrifice, survival, friendship, and the pursuit of dignity. The production also honors the real women behind the movement, including Matilda Crawford, Sallie Bell, Carrie Jones, Dora Jones, Orphelia Turner, and Sarah A. Collier, reminding us that history is shaped not only by celebrated national figures but also by ordinary people who refuse to accept extraordinary injustice. Particularly moving is the production's exploration of the Black church as both a spiritual sanctuary and a center of community organizing. It demonstrates how faith, collective action, and the influence of Black religious leadership could challenge political and economic power structures. What impressed me most was the production's ability to remain grounded in historical events while giving audiences an emotional connection to the women behind them. We witness not merely a strike but the courage of women who were mothers, caregivers, laborers, neighbors, and community leaders—women who helped establish an important precedent for organized domestic and service workers in America. Hats off to play Director Erica Sutherlin, Artistic Executive Director of The Studio@620, and Clareann Despain, Executive Artistic Director of Powerstories Theatre, for an outstanding collaboration that demonstrates the transformative power of storytelling! And to the six remarkable women who commanded the stage: BRAVO!

The show and the cast were exceptional and provided, I thought, a moving and realistic portrayal of the plight of Atlanta's laundry workers in the 1880s. All of the small touches added emotional depth, especially the scene where the echoes of their work duties were blended to provide background music to "When the Saints Go Marching In." Each performer was very relatable and brought their individual circumstances to light. I am so grateful to all concerned for adding an extra show for a Saturday matinee -- it was fulfilling to know Studio 620, the players and crew cared that much and showed it with their efforts!

I came to visit the Black in Bloom exhibit where they had art from a few mirrorless hanging on display as well as several panelists discussing their inspirations surrounding art. It was a rich and informative experience and I was also able to purchase a print from an artist. Support your local artist!

I love going to Studio@620. It's a true gem. There's always something great going on, either performance or visual art or classes. Their welcoming vibe is exceptional and the quality of their offering is great. I saw The Wash by Powerstories theatre. Really excellent, entertaining and thought provoking too

I saw The Wash Friday night and it was truly remarkable, the acting was top notch. Each and every character played a vital role to the storyline, with the language being real to the time period. The design crew did a great job, the set added to the believability of the story. I love how the sheets were incorporated in the scenes, shadow box style.