Seattle playwright Cheryl L. West brings to the stage voices of civil rights leaders whose stories are not as frequently told.

With her newest play, Cheryl L. West is making sure we hear the voices of civil rights leaders whose stories are not as frequently told.

“You’re seeing how the past connects with the present and the sacrifices that were made on our behalf for the changes and policies that we have now. We have a long way to go to really achieve true equity in this country, but it’s on the backs of the people who came before us that we’re at the point where we are,” said West.

Co-commissioned by Seattle Rep and Chicago’s Goodman Theatre for the 2019 New Stages Festival, “Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer,” is finally getting its Seattle stage premiere. The one-woman show written by local playwright Cheryl L. West will be performed by E. Faye Butler in the Bagley Wright Theater at Seattle Rep Jan. 14-Feb. 13.