Memphis’ cultural imprint on America didn’t start with STAX Records nor end with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Before the turn of the century, a mighty little lady named Ida B. Wells made Memphis her home. And while she lived here, she just so happened to be fighting for civil and Black women’s rights in America.
Wells and her commitment to civil rights, voting rights and progressive politics are memorialized in Downtown Memphis at the recently revamped and re-opened Ida B. Wells Plaza at the East end of Beale Street.
Memphians and Mid-Southerners have yet another way to learn about and pay tribute to the activist, journalist and suffrage commander. Tony Award®-winning “SUFFS,” a contemporary play about the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the life of Wells, arrives at the Orpheum Theatre July 31 and runs through August 2.
Danyel Fulton, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-native, plays the role of Wells in this national touring production, which celebrates a full year of being on the road in early August.
“After having been an understudy for a few big roles, I couldn’t be more thrilled to portray Ida B. Wells in such a historically significant production,” said Fulton in a recent interview.
When she spoke to TSD, she had just concluded spending the day with Michelle Duster, historian, great-granddaughter of Wells and the author of “Ida B the Queen” (c. 2021), who gave her a signed copy.
This is not the first historical figure Fulton has portrayed, as she acted as Billie Holliday and other notables previously. But the process of preparing for each role was the same — research, research, research.
“I like to read what the person has written about themselves, as well as what their family has shared about them,” said Fulton. “I go deep into autobiographies, documentaries, even pieces on Youtube.”
Additionally, Fulton researches the time period and what occurred but stays away from certain accounts in an act of self-preservation.
“We have to protect ourselves when we play these luminaries,” Fulton shared. “Some people are cruel and self-serving. And what she (Wells) did changed the world, so many had terrible things to say bout her.”
After preparation came the practice. Fulton has been playing the role of Ida B. Wells for nearly a year and this role, more than any, has had a significant impact on her life.
“I can’t even put into words how much I have been affirmed, encouraged, empowered,” said Fulton. “Nothing and no one compared to her and what she had to speak out against. There wasn’t a day she wasn’t in danger.”
Fulton spoke about the courage and tenacity it took for Wells to incite change, but recalled Wells was also human. What she hopes audiences will take away is that the same kind of courage and tenacity can inspire and motivate action in today’s society.
“I want people to see themselves when they come to the show,” said Fulton. “This country — the foundation was built on domestic terrorism and we’re still experiencing it today.”
Wells had the courage to write the president a letter. She traveled the country, evangelizing, spreading the message of equality, fairness and solidarity.
Fulton believes that this production will ignite something inside of attendees, who can expect a spectacular, entertaining show, complete with talented women who take joy in sharing a special message of hope, love and friendship.
“In Greenville, South Carolina, the audience stood up and started marching with us — some in the balcony, some in the orchestra,” Fulton recalled. “The symbolism of coming together was beautiful.”
There have been challenges for the production and crew on the road, never knowing in some “red” cities how they would be received. But they pull from Wells’ spirit, which motivated them all to keep pushing.
Fulton said having the show come to Memphis makes it even more special, as this is where so much of the Civil Rights story and progress picked up steam.
“Wells had to flee to Memphis, but the work didn’t stop. She kept going,” said Fulton.
She is in awe of the opportunity to introduce some audiences to Wells through her art.
“I find solace in that these productions are sometimes introductions to historical figures people don’t really know,” said Fulton. “The ‘SUFFS’ cast is phenomenal and sees the need to tell this important story.”
“SUFFS” also features another native Memphian, educator and activist Mary Church Terrell, who played an impactful role in the Suffrage and Civil Rights movements.
“SUFFS” runs at the Orpheum Theatre Memphis through Aug. 2. Tickets are available at https://www.orpheum-memphis.com/events/suffs .
