The Great Privation at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

This fall, Woolly Mammoth and Boston’s Company One Theatre proudly present the world premiere of The GreatPrivation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) — an evocative, time-bending new work by award-winning playwright Nia Akilah Robinson.

Bridging 1832 Philadelphia and the present day, The Great Privation follows two mothers and daughters across centuries as they protect, honor, and reckon with the legacies of their land. Directed by Woolly’s bold Resident Director & Creative Producer Mina Morita, this deeply moving production explores themes of resistance, resilience, and remembrance while challenging audiences to consider who gets to tell America’s stories.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, The Great Privation is Woolly’s — an unflinching exploration of how history is written, who gets remembered, and how communities reclaim their legacies.

Why This Show Matters

• Timely & Bold Storytelling: Created in response to America’s 250th anniversary, the play interrogates hidden histories while celebrating legacies of strength and community.
• National Collaboration: A co-production with Boston’s Company One Theatre, known for its dedication to social change and inclusive narratives.
• Immersive Experience: Featuring an intimate thrust stage with 20 onstage seats, a dynamic creative team, and a nationally acclaimed Connectivity program with talkbacks, panels, and community workshops after select performances.

Creative Highlights

• Playwright: Nia Akilah Robinson (Juilliard, Yale; multiple national awards)
• Director: Mina Morita
• Scenic Design: Meghan Raham
• Lighting Design: Tony Award® nominee Amith Chandrashaker
• Sound Design/Composition: Nick “tha 1da” Hernandez
• Cast includes acclaimed DMV and Boston-based talent: Yetunde Felix-Ukwu, Victoria Omoregie, Marc Pierre, and Zack Powell

“The Great Privation is our bold response to America’s 250th anniversary, asking hard
questions about who gets to tell our shared history and whose stories have been left out. In
a time when playing it safe feels tempting, we’re doubling down on risk. This production
finds us championing local actors, creatives, and our own staff in the storytelling process.
This collaboration with Boston’s Company One Theatre is a testament to the power of
bringing communities together to imagine a more inclusive and truthful American
narrative.” — Kimberly Douglas, Managing Director, Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Company.