Angela Polite. Photo courtesy of Angela Polite.
In tumultuous times, Angela Polite’s one-woman show, “Mary Speaks,” is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of Black mothers and their sons.
The New York actor is bringing her play to Open Stage this month for seven performances.
“I began to write ‘Mary Speaks’ in August 2015,” Polite said. “The rash of shootings of unarmed Black men over three years came to a tipping point with the death of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Mo. That one incident pushed pen to paper.”
That scorching, violent summer, Polite found solace in the timeless tale of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a poignant parallel to the anguish of Black mothers throughout history.
“I had read reports that Brown’s mother tried desperately to get through the crowd to see if the body was indeed her son. Something in the story felt familiar,” Polite recalled. “In that moment, I saw Mary at the foot of the cross, and it hit me—all of these Black mothers were Mary.”
While grounded in biblical allegory, “Mary Speaks” transcends religious boundaries, offering a narrative that speaks to the universal experience of motherly love.
“It’s not a religious play,” Polite said. “It is the classic story of a mother’s love. Everyone can relate to that.”
With a career spanning 15 years, Polite’s passion for performance runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in Charleston, S.C. Yet, it is her unwavering commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level that sets “Mary Speaks” apart.
“Black mothers have always been in mourning for their sons,” she said. “The killing of unarmed Black men is nothing new. I hope there comes a time when this play is no longer relevant.”
Drawing inspiration from the Black Lives Matter movement, “Mary Speaks” stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment, inviting audiences to bear witness to the untold stories of marginalized communities.
“The message of BLM is simply ‘we matter,’” Polite said. “And if we matter, then our stories matter. Art remains the powerful tool through which we can do that.”
As patrons prepare to embark on this transformative journey, Polite offers a glimpse into what they can expect.
“People can expect to be invited in,” she said. “This journey is just as much about the character as it is about the audience. There are highs and lows. Buckle up!”
In a world fraught with uncertainty, “Mary Speaks” offers solace and solidarity, reminding us of the enduring power of love, resilience and the human spirit. The production is part of Open Stage’s second annual “Good at Heart Festival.”
Centered around the theatre company’s 24th annual production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” the festival focuses on social and racial justice conversations and art, inspired by Anne Frank’s quote, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.”
Experience the transcendent stories of the Good at Heart Festival firsthand with a series of performances and discussions this March.
“Mary Speaks” runs March 23 to 30 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. “The Good at Heart Festival” runs March 19 to 23. For more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com.
Stuart Landon is Open Stage’s artistic director.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
The 2nd Annual Good at Heart Festival
A week of art and conversation celebrating the spirit of Anne Frank
March 19 to 24
“The Diary of Anne Frank”
Open Stage brings this important play back for its 24th season
March 19 to 22
ASL interpreted performance Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Black NewsBeat with Dr Kimeka Campbell
Join the live studio audience.
Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
EFF Live!
A night of naughty fanfic readings
Sunday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m.
“Mary Speaks”
A bold new take on the timeless story of Mother Mary and her son
March 23 to 30
ASL interpreted performance Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m.
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