Suffs: Telling what has failed to be told
March 30th, 2022: Suffs is an off broadway musical consisting of 24 women/non binary individuals of all races, sexualities, backgrounds and ages. Starring Shaina Taub as Alice Paul, Suffs tells the story of the fierce women who fought for women’s suffrage, known as the ‘Suffs.’ After working tirelessly on composing and writing Suffs for 8 years, Taub has finally brought it to life on stage at New York’s Public Theater.
Suffs tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement, consisting of an all female/non binary cast. Including portrayals of real suffragists such as Alice Paul, Inez Milholland, Lucy Burns, and Doris Stevens, Suffs highlights the fight for women’s suffrage that is often not taught in schools. It delves even further into the movement, also highlighting the terrible racism and discrimination that black women faced while fighting for suffrage. This is portrayed through the song, “Wait my Turn,” which is sung by Ida B. Wells (played by Nikki M. James). The song is in response to Wells being told that the black women should march separately from the white women. It is emotional and heart wrenching, bringing attention to how this wasn’t only a fight for women’s suffrage, but also a fight for rights for people of color. Shaina Taub explained how the process of creating Suffs mirrored the story that they were telling. They are singing and acting out a major historical event, while also making history as an all female/non binary cast. It was truly inspiring to see Taub’s work come to life in such a wonderful way. It was apparent that the entire cast and crew put an immense amount of time and dedication into this show.
Suffs is important because it shines light on a topic that is so commonly brushed over in schools. As the show description says, Suffs tells the story of these unsung female heroes. Fighting for women’s suffrage wasn’t just difficult, it was dangerous as well. One of the songs highlights the way in which these women were treated. In one scene, while the lights were on, the actors were the suffs. When the lights dimmed, the actors shouted some of the insults that men said to the women at the time. It was such a brilliant way to educate the audience on the terrible verbal and physical abuse that these women faced. In schools, the women’s suffrage movement is usually reduced to merely one or two sentences. Even as a student who has taken both AP US History and AP World History, I was unaware of many aspects of the movement. A few sentences in a history textbook isn’t enough. The history of the actions of men are taught in intense complexity and detail. Women deserve the same amount of recognition. Suffs tells the story that the education system has failed to teach.
As a sixteen year old girl, having the opportunity to see Suffs live was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Despite attending a preview show, it was flawless. I am still floored by the immense amount of talent on one stage. The emotion in these women’s voices and acting was powerful. As an audience member, watching them felt like you were truly watching the suffs in real time. Each and every one of them has such a unique voice that brings so much power and emotion to the stage. It was clear that Taub wrote these characters in a way that truly showcased who they were. I truly believe that this musical can teach everyone something valuable, while also calling to action those who want to spark change in the world.
While at the show, I had the lovely opportunity to speak to Shaina, as she was taking notes that day in the seat behind me. I wanted to tell her how much this show means to me, and how much of an inspiration both her, and the entire cast is. Powerful female representation is so important, and seeing her bring it to life on stage means the world to so many girls. Not only is Shaina a remarkable play writer and composer, she is also an incredibly kind individual. She deserves all of the success that she has received, and deserves even more success in the future.
Not only is the musical beautiful onstage, but actors such as Jenn Colella have described the wonderful connection between the cast backstage and beyond. In an interview she explained how, “There’s a level of respect and openness to everyone in the room that isn’t always present. Women are also used to kind of having to be quiet and just speak when it’s really necessary. We’ve been taught that girls are quiet and men lead. If there aren’t any men to quiet us, then we feel more open to sharing what’s in our hearts and minds.” Since the cast is consisted of only female/non binary individuals, they all have equal opportunities to have open and heartfelt conversations without fear of discrimination from men.
Shaina Taub is an example of a woman who is making a significant mark in the theater community, while also making a valuable impact on the lives of her audience. She is an example of a woman who persevered and was determined to bring this idea of hers to the stage. Suffs is currently off broadway, and the majority of tickets are sold out for the duration of the run. With the amount of success that the show has garnered already, such as AOC and Sandra Oh attending, Suffs appears to be on the path to Broadway. Taub, along with the entire cast, are role models for young girls who want to make a difference in this world, including myself. While initially attending the show for the entertainment aspect, many find themselves learning more than they could have ever imagined, leaving the theater inspired to continue the fight for equal rights for women.
A musical event one hundred years in the making, SUFFS brings to life a complicated chapter in the ongoing battle for the right to vote: the American women’s suffrage movement. Written by and featuring one of the most exciting new voices in theater, Shaina Taub, this epic new musical takes an unflinching look at these unsung trailblazers. In the seven years leading up to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, an impassioned group of suffragists — “Suffs” as they called themselves — took to the streets, pioneering protest tactics that transformed the country. They risked their lives as they clashed with the president, the public, and each other. A thrilling story of brilliant, flawed women working against and across generational, racial, and class divides, SUFFS boldly explores the victories and failures of a fight for equality that is still far from over.
(I am not associated with any review organization, all opinions are my own!) :)
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