Marcus Gardley Celebrates Her-Story from Africa to Oakland   

by Robert M. Gardner

Marcus Gardley has written a great play celebrating Black community and sisterhood from Africa to Louisiana to Oakland. “A Thousand Ships” evoked a thunderous welcome on Sunday at Oakland Theater Project as heroic Black women looked on from framed photos.

Randy Wong West’s beautiful set is bathed in blue light surrounding a circular sand pit. The central sand circle hosts ceremonial stories from the Old World and the New. Gardley recounts the many ways Black women have enriched their new country—through Jazz, Blues, politics, and the written word. He expands our understanding of Black Women’s genius.

The epic journey follows two women who travel from the Deep South to work in the Richmond shipyards during WWII—authentic Rosie the Riveters. The wonderfully matched friends, Addy (awesomely talented Halili Knox) and Laney (superb Dawn L. Troupe), become partners. They collaborate in a down-home Oakland beauty salon that becomes a center of community.

Around the stage photos of famous Black women look down with approval on Black culture, contributing their ideas over decades.

As Addy and Laney, Knox and Troupe bristle with wit and anger; but they remain friends. Knox’s Addy is bold, straightforward, and speaks the truth, while Troupe’s Laney struggles to save her two grown children.

The women are fiery and inspiring—delightful to follow in Gardley’s superb poetic language. Laney tells Black Women to love their hair: “If beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, then you are a sight to behold. Walk mighty and strong on your ancestors’ shoulders.” Gardley’s script shimmers with lyrical litanies of Black tradition.

Beginning on the shores of Africa, Adrian Roberts (Father of Waters) speaks of the tragedy of slavery. He intones the story of the thousands of ships that ripped Africans from their homeland. It’s a sacred moment as singers harmonize in African chants.

The cast explodes with colorful characters, like First Lady (inimitable Rolanda D. Bell) and her comically pregnant assistant Dimond (mesmerizing Jasmine Milan Williams). Williams perfectly nails a Black girl who has been exploited and lost her self-worth.

As First Lady, Bell plays a tough boss who sees Dimond as “kinda hood,” and welcomes her into the Salon family. She tells Dimond: “Some women, they don’t need to make themselves up. God simply made them fine enough to walk the streets and set off car alarms.” She revives Dimond’s self-esteem, adding warm comedy to the mix.

The genius of Musical Director Molly Holm astounds us. She weaves African chants with Jazz, dance, and gospel. Holms’ beautiful refrains transport us to understanding and empathy.

Laney’s son, Mac (spirited William Hartfield) delivers an impassioned lament about his struggles to succeed in racist Oakland. And her daughter Laurel (sassy Sam Jackson) becomes a tough cop. They survive on the love of their two mothers.

In a powerful voice, Laurel sings, “He’s A Wonder In My Soul.” The song lifts their spirits and ours. Inspiration and music flow from “A Thousand Ships”—an Oakland treasure. Don’t miss it!

“A Thousand Ships” by Marcus Gardley, directed by Michael Socrates Moran, music director Molly Holm, set design by Randy Wong West, costumes by Arielle Powell, lighting by Dr. Stephanie Anne Johnson, sound by Ray Archie, dramaturg Philippa Kelly, at Oakland Theater Project.

Info: oaklandtheaterproject.org – to January 5, 2025.

Cast: Halili Knox, Rolanda D. Bell, Jasmine Milan Williams, Adrian Roberts, Sam Jackson, Dawn L. Troupe, and William Hartfield. Musicians: Molly Holm, pianist & Peter Barshay, bassist.

Banner photo: Halili Knox (Addy). Photos: Ben Krantz Studio