Curio Theatre presents Richard Lamont Pierce’s Sojourner

Zuhairah McGill, who was nominated for a Barrymore when she originated the role in 2002, continues to star in this 90-minute solo show, which has toured around the country. It pulls from known (and lesser-known) facts about Truth’s life. Although historically grounded in the past, it is easy to see connections to America’s concerning present. In such precarious times, Sojourner is the security blanket I need that engages and enlightens. It unflinchingly reveals the historical truth, yet still gives me hope.

A dramatic balance

Due to the vast trauma Truth experienced in her life, this must be a difficult play to continuously perform. But despite playing the role for years, McGill’s rendition still feels fresh and unrestrained: she gives it her all, from soundless cries to deep-voiced chuckles. It is unsurprising Curio Theatre joined a long line of theatrical collaborators to host the production, including Quintessence Theatre Group (2021), The Black Theatre Festival (2022), Lantern Theater’s Spotlight Northwest series (2025), and more.

Pierce, a Philadelphia staple, diplomatically balances humor with sadness and conflict with charm. He does not hide the cruelty of white plantation owners, yet he avoids trauma porn. He does not luxuriate in the horror of sexual assault to get an audience reaction, and does not repeat racist comments of white 19th-century first-wave feminists. Although the play re-enacts the violence Truth experienced, it is not overdone, and avoids torture for amusement.

Pierce’s script achieves a delicate balance of information and entertainment. It might initially seem genteel as Truth sips tea, but it’s quietly subversive as she cheekily references Thomas Jefferson’s focus on freedom while keeping Black people enslaved. A hidden projector illustrates historical parts of the monologue with images of the slave market, Black sailors, and lynching victims while audio recordings portray secondary characters.

Small adjustments needed

This is a beloved, well-oiled, well-received machine, but there are a few minor gears that could use adjustment. Yes, Truth was disabled, but able-bodied directors, performers, and writers should take a light hand when doing elderly disabled cosplay. Outside of her hand and legs, I do not know if Truth also suffered from frequent involuntary tongue protrusion (which, yes, some seniors do experience). We’re also still in Covid times, so having an actor do numerous open-mouthed coughs facing the audience in a small, enclosed space made me glad I wore a face mask.

Director Gay Carducci does an excellent job (although the transition between laughs and loss could have been a tad slower in certain parts). But I am always frustrated when Black History Month productions feature Black casts, yet that diversity does NOT trickle to the production staff. Wouldn’t it be great to see strong representation offstage, too? I would love it if small theaters budgeted for the full package. Finally, while this is a historical production, I noticed one possible dramatic liberty. In the play, after Truth’s first love is brutally assaulted by landscape painter Charles Catton Jr., we learn she reconnects with him later, but he is never the same. However, according to Truth's own mid-19th-century narrative, she never saw him again after the attack.

Let her inspire us

Overall, this production’s knowledge feels like a breath of fresh air. I felt grateful to Sojourner’s projection design and the script’s underlying research. History is subversive, and this play proves that looking back helps us to move forward. Our nation has come a long way. Sojourner Truth traveled a long distance from childhood trafficking survivor to someone who helped dramatically alter our nation. Her brilliance in using the justice system to free her son, her continued fight to support Black soldiers, her political support of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, and her dispute with Frederick Douglass over elitism are all worthy causes. So let her inspire us. Let plays like this remind us to keep searching for truth and to keep pushing for our collective freedoms.