by Lynn Nottage
directed by associate artist Jessica Thebus
Esther, an African-American woman living in New York City at the turn of the 20th century has a remarkable gift for sewing. Her exquisite lingerie creations are worn by Park Avenue socialites and downtown prostitutes alike, allowing her a rare life of independence. Yet, she is lonely and risks everything to marry a Caribbean stranger she has known only through an exchange of romantic letters. This highly acclaimed, lyrical play is about identity, tradition and a woman's place in the world.