The Mammy Project

Weaving the untold history of Nancy Green, the first African-American woman hired to play the part of “Aunt Jemima” at the 1893 World’s Fair, with African-American activists like Ida B. Wells, who struggled to have black women represented at the very same World’s Fair, The Mammy Project uses original music, storytelling and historical speeches to transform an oppressive stereotype into a celebration of the power gained from knowing and understanding history.

Michelle Matlock, a character actress and physical comedienne, digs deep into her own experience, imagination, and American history to deliver a personal, political and entertaining expose. Since 2001 The Mammy Project has helped schools kick off their Diversity, Black, and Women’s History Month celebrations, exploring questions about stereotype, icon and myth in an educational, entertaining and inclusive manner.

The Mammy Project is presented in repertory with Silence and The Taming of the Shrew.