(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 summer season will begin with a bang with a production of Having Our Say, Emily Mann’s 1995 Tony Award-nominated drama about "two 'maiden ladies' with century-old stories to tell", July 11-21, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theatre.
Having Our Say invites audiences into the home of Bessie and Sadie Delany, both over 100 years old. They share their family stories and guide the audience through nearly two centuries’ worth of American history and social upheaval as witnessed by the Delanys, from slavery to Jim Crow to the civil-rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to the end of the 20th century. The play is based on the Delany sisters’ 1993 New York Times-bestselling book of the same title, co-written with journalist Amy Hill Hearth.
“What better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence than by bringing a critical part of America’s complicated history to life?” said Mark Spina, artistic director of The Theater Project. “Having Our Say feels like the perfect debut for our new summer home.”
Gail Lou and Daaimah, both founding members of The Theater Project, play the Delany Sisters.
The show’s run will comprise two morning matinees, two afternoon matinees and four evening performances. Tickets are available for purchase online. The DMK Black Box Theatre is located at 1980 Morris Avenue in Union, New Jersey.
Having Our Say is made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and by the generosity of The Theater Project’s many sponsors and donors, especially Ms. Stephanie Fein.
Founded in 1994 in Union, The Theater Project introduces New Jersey audiences to new plays and supports rising playwrights and theater artists. It develops new audiences for theater by service to the community, providing programs for children, and offering theater as a forum to discuss current issues.
