Tickets Now Available for 1877 at the Missouri History Museum November 16-19
In post-Civil War St. Louis industry is booming, but workers aren’t getting a fair deal from the bosses. Longshoreman Jonah must decide–join the growing strike, or stay on the job so he can continue to provide for his younger sister Eleanor, the only family he’s got right now. 1877 depicts the incredible true story of the St. Louis General Strike of 1877, the only strike of its kind to happen in the United States before or since.
Told with six actors playing dozens of characters and featuring live music from the era, 1877 reveals an important and largely untold history of St. Louis and the Labor Movement that still resonates today.
1877 is written by St. Louis playwright and composer Colin McLaughlin. Bread and Roses previously presented his play about union leader Eugene V. Debs, Jailbird, at the Missouri History Museum. His most recent play Action about St. Louis Civil Rights legend Percy Green premiered in January 2023 to sold out audiences at The Gaslight Theater.
Along with McLaughlin, the creative team includes a distinguished group of local artists: Jess Shoemaker, director; Nicholas Kryah, scene design; Jayson M. Lawshee, lighting and projection design; Shevaré Perry, costume design and Jimmy Bernatowicz, sound design. The ensemble cast includes Joshua Mayfield, Ryan Lawson-Maeske, Tyler White, Christina Rios, Noah Laster, and introduces 12-year old Courtnei Morris as Eleanor.
Bread and Roses Missouri’s  Workers’ Theater Project creates original performances for and about working people. Their recent radio play, Mrs. Palmer’s Honey by Cassandra Medley, premiered on KDHX in February, 2023. The annual Workers’ Opera invites workers to take their turn on stage to amplify social and economic issues that impact working people. The most recent Workers’ Opera: Blue Light Special in May featured  Amazon warehouse workers and their struggle for safer workplace conditions.
1877 is made possible by the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, the John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, the Missouri Humanities Council, and the following sponsors:
