announcing the world premiere of ‘Ona’
OdysseyStage, based in North Carolina, proudly introduces the world premiere of ‘Ona’. This new play comes from Keith Burridge, an award-winning NC playwright. Under the direction of Amelia Lumpkin, ‘Ona’ promises to offer audiences an immersive experience this fall.
unfolding a powerful narrative
‘Ona’ brings to life the extraordinary story of Ona Judge. She was an enslaved woman who served as Martha Washington’s personal maid. Defying her condition, she made a brave escape. Esteemed American historian Annette Gordon-Reed highlights the importance of Ona Judge’s story, noting, “There is no way to really know the Washingtons without knowing this story.”
a unique perspective
This play provides a unique woman-centric perspective on a grim chapter of history. It traces Ona’s life before, during, and after her daring escape. As OdysseyStage Artistic Director Annie Taft explains, “Ona was part of OdysseyStage’s Staged: New Play Readings series. The audience loved the play, leading to insightful discussions. As a result, we chose it as the first production from that series.”
meet the cast
The cast of ‘Ona’ showcases the talent of Monica Ho as Ona Judge. North Carolina’s First Lady, Kristin Cooper, delivers a riveting portrayal of America’s inaugural First Lady, Martha Washington. The cast also includes local talents like Evit Emerson, Katie Milligan, Isabelle Rose Moore, Jarred Pearce, Lauren Gaither, and Daniel Ryder.
producer’s insights
Brian Lord, the producer of ‘Ona’, shares his journey with the project: “Through Sips and Scripts, I had the privilege to read some of the early versions of the Ona stage play. The compelling story, based on historical events, captivated me. Determined to bring this almost forgotten story to light, I am now part of the team making ‘Ona’ happen.”
save the date
You can witness this powerful historical drama at the renowned Burning Coal Theatre in downtown Raleigh. The play runs from September 14-16, 2023, at 7:30 pm. We also offer matinee performances on September 16 and 17 at 2:00 pm.
tickets on sale
Tickets go on sale starting July 31 and can be purchased here at the OdysseyStage website. Follow our social media channels for special discounts and promotional offers.
our mission at OdysseyStage
OdysseyStage President, Juliana Valente, emphasizes the importance of projects like ‘Ona’: “Our mission at OdysseyStage goes beyond nurturing local talent. We aim to shed light on important narratives like Ona’s. We are excited to bring this deeply moving narrative to our audiences.”
about OdysseyStage
We are a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing new works by North Carolina playwrights. We support local talent and contribute to the growth of the North Carolina theatre scene. To learn more about our mission or to contribute to our vision, visit OdysseyStage.org.
Join us this September for the world premiere of ‘Ona’. Become a part of this empowering narrative. OdysseyStage proudly contributes to North Carolina’s rich theatrical tradition by developing captivating narratives by local playwrights.