cullud wattah

By Erika Dickerson-Despenza

Directed by Ilesa Duncan

University Theatre is proud to present cullud wattah, a powerful contemporary play by UW–Madison and First Wave alumna Erika Dickerson-Despenza. Originally recommended to University Theatre by Professor Emeritus Sandy Adell, this production offers a timely and resonant opportunity for campus-wide and community dialogue around environmental justice, race, public policy, and artistic activism.

The production also honors the mission and legacy of OMAI and First Wave by centering the work of a First Wave artist whose voice bridges performance, lived experience, and social justice inquiry.

About the Play
Set in 2016, cullud wattah unfolds 936 days into the Flint, Michigan water crisis. When third-generation General Motors employee Marion is on the verge of a promotion, her family is thrown into conflict as her sister begins protesting the very corporation Marion depends on. As the water crisis intensifies, a family of Black women must confront their past, their survival strategies, and the cost of silence. Through a non-linear structure, the play examines how time, choice, and systemic injustice shape our lives.

Content Advisory:
Mature language; discussions of abortion, miscarriage, illness, and racism.

Creative Team
• Director: Ilesa Duncan
o Chicago-based director and Producing Artistic Director of Pegasus Theatre Chicago, known for ensemble-driven, socially engaged Black theatre practices.
• Dramaturg: Lily Z. Shell
o PhD Candidate in Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies with a minor in African-American Studies; specialist in Black dramaturgies and audience engagement.
• Intimacy Director: Audrey Lauren Standish
• Stage Manager: Miriam Hayes (student, Theatre major)
• Assistant Stage Managers: Allie Figueroa (student, Theatre major), Jasmine Li (student, Theatre certificate)
• Scenic Designer: Manuel Ortiz (Chicago-based designer)
• Lighting Designer: Brenden Marble (Chicago-based designer)
• Costume Designer: Arje Wilson (student, Theatre major)
• Sound Designer: Ethan White (UW-Madison theatre alumni, Madison-based designer)
Cast
• Plum: Jayda Smith (student, Theatre major)
• Marion: Olani Aboro (student; first UT production)
• Reesee: J’Nya Smith (student, Theatre major)
• Ainee: Jnae Thompson (UW-Madison alumna)
• Big Ma: Dana Pellabon
o Dana Pellabon is a Madison-based actor and community activist whose work bridges performance, advocacy, and civic engagement. Her portrayal of Big Ma brings lived experience, empathy, and a justice-centered lens to the production.

This production is made possible with support from the Anonymous Block Grant. Media sponsor is WORT.

Produced by University Theatre (UW-Madison) at U.W. Mitchell Theatre, 821 University Ave, Madison

Performances: February 26 - March 8, 2026

Performance Times:
2/26/2026 7:30 PM - Preview
2/27/26 7:30 PM
2/28/26 7:30 PM
3/1/26 2:00 PM
3/5/26 7:30 PM
3/6/26 7:30 PM
3/7/26 2:00 PM
3/7/26 7:30 PM
3/8/26 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices:
$28 Adult
$23 Senior (62 +)
$23 UW Faculty/Staff (ID)
$10 UW Students and other College Students (ID)
$10 Children (K-12)
$17 Group Sales (10 tickets or more)

To Order Tickets:
1. Call 608-265-2787 (Open M-F 2-6 PM)
2. Online www.artsticketing.wisc.edu
3. Walk up sales: Mitchell Theatre Lobby Box Office opens 1 hour prior to performances for walk up sales.

Call 608-265-2787 or visit theatre.wisc.edu for reservations or more information.