Biddy Mason at Inner-City Arts

The Fountain Theatre’s “Fountain for Youth” arts education wing joins forces with Inner-City Arts, The Autry Museum of the American West and CounterBalance Theater to present Biddy Mason, a theatrical blend of video projection, music, song, movement and dramatic storytelling that brings the powerful and inspiring true story of an extraordinary Los Angeles citizen to life. Ten student performances take place May 20 through May 24 followed by two public performances for adults on May 31 and June 1. All performances take place at the Rosenthal Theatre, located at Inner-City Arts in downtown Los Angeles.

Based on a short story by Dana Johnson and adapted and directed by Annie Loui, Biddy Mason dramatizes the remarkable, little-known story of Bridget “Biddy” Mason who, born enslaved, went on to become one of the first prominent citizens and landowners in Los Angeles. After marching 1700 miles on foot alongside her owner’s wagon train from Mississippi to California, Mason petitioned for and won her freedom in court. Saving the money she earned as a midwife and nurse, she transformed herself into a successful businesswoman and philanthropist who built schools, fed the poor, and helped launch the First AME Church.