Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith (Yellowman) performs her poetic and revelatory play Until the Flood, recorded live on stage.

Missouri, 2014. Michael Brown, a black teenager, is shot and killed by Darren Wilson, a white police officer.

A tidal wave of unrest sweeps across the nation, powered by a new activist movement called Black Lives Matter. Its ripples are felt all over the world.

Based on extensive of interviews with Missouri residents following the 2014 shooting, Dael confronts the powerful forces of history, race and politics and embodies the many faces of a community rallying for justice, and a country still yearning for change.

Written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith, and directed by Neel Keller, Until the Flood was a sell-out audience hit at the 2019 Traverse Festival.

Winner: 2019 Scotsman Fringe First award

The footage is from Rattlestick Playwright’s Theater production. Until The Flood was originally commissioned and produced by The Repertory Theater of St. Louis. The following theatres have joined together to sponsor and make this recording possible: A Contemporary Theater, Center Theater Group, DCPA Theater, Goodman Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Portland Center Stage, Rattlestick Playwright’s Theater, Repertory Theater of St. Louis. With thanks to AllArts.com.

Image: Craig Schwartz