Regional News
Anna Deavere Smith's Newest Play The Basil Biggs Project Will Premiere in Philadelphia
Commissioned for ArtPhilly's What Now festival, the work centers on Smith's great-great-grandfather.
March 25, 2026 By Meg Masseron
Anna Deavere Smith's newest play The Basil Biggs Project will make its world premiere this summer as part of ArtPhilly's inaugural What Now festival. It will play Philadelphia's Wilma Theatre for two days only, June 26–27.
Commissioned specifically for ArtPhilly, the play centers on Basil Biggs, a formerly enslaved man who played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg. It explores not only Biggs' life as an entrepreneur, abolitionist, and a contractor who helped to rebury thousands of Union soldiers after the Civil War—but also as Smith’s own great-great-grandfather. The Basil Biggs Project questions what it means to be a descendant of those who helped shape the nation, in the light of the 250th anniversary of America's founding.
In somewhat of a departure from much of Smith's previous work (such as Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992), which is documentary in style and draws primarily from interviews, Biggs left behind limited written records. As such, Smith uses available archival materials and historical documents to envision the life of Biggs, his family, and his community during and after the Civil War.
The Basil Briggs Project has been written for an ensemble of more than 20 actors. Casting and creative team information will be revealed at a later date.
For more information, visit here.
More latest news
-
Photos: Richard Kind Is Max Bialystock in London's The Producers
Production Photos -
Get a Closer Look at London's Avenue Q Revival
London News -
Grunge Musical Will Hold NYC Industry Reading
Readings and Workshops -
-
Adam Pascal Will Direct Our Little Secret Musical Workshop
Readings and Workshops -
