Shutter Sisters

Regional Premiere

February 1 - 18, 2024

by Mansa Ra.

Directed by Eric Ruffin

This sweet and funny tale explores the parallel lives of two women. A white woman named Michael struggles with strained family relationships at her adopted mother’s funeral, while a Black woman named Mykal navigates a challenge of her own: becoming an empty nester. A surrealist journey through womanhood, identity, and what it means to belong. "Shutter Sisters is a very enjoyable and empathetic look at how connections between mothers, daughters, friends, and even strangers impact the story of your life.”  -Broadway World

Runtime: 90 minutes with no intermission.

Mask Required Performance:

  • February 10 - 7:30pm

Open Captioned Performances:

  • February 8 - 7:30pm, February 9 - 7:30pm, February 10 - 2:00pm and 7:30pm, February 11 - 2:00pm

Audio-Described Performance:

  • February 11 - 2:00pm

Community Conversations

Accessibility

Following The 2pm Performance

February 3, 2024: Meet The Designers

Join 1st Stage in conversation with the design team of Shutter Sisters about bringing this intimate show to life.

February 4, 2024: Meet The Director

Join 1st Stage in conversation with Eric Ruffin, Director of Shutter Sisters, about his vision and inspiration for crafting this show.

February 10, 2024: Meet The Playwright

Join Associate Artistic Director Deidra LaWan Starnes in conversation with the playwright for Shutter Sisters, Mansa Ra, about creating the world of this play and the stories of these women. In person and Zoom - Sign up for Zoom here

February 17, 2024: Meet The Actors

Join actors Deidra LaWan Starnes and Tonya Beckman as they speak about their processes for bringing Mykal and Michael to the stage in Shutter Sisters.

Meet the Team

Deidra LaWan Starnes*

Mykal

Tonya Beckman*

Michael

Design Team

Eric Ruffin

Director

Jaida Gillespie

Asst. Director

David Lamont Wilson

Sound Designer

Kathryn Kawecki

Scenic Designer

Lynly Saunders

Costume Designer

Pauline Lamb

Prop Designer

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Adam Mendelson

Lighting Designer

Niya John

Asst. Lighting Designer

Sarah Usary

Stage Manager