Pay What You Wilma Previews:
Tuesday, May 19 at 7pm
Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm
Thursday, May 21 at 7pm
Post-Show Talk Back:
Sunday, May 24 at 2pm
Black Affinity Night:
Tuesday, May 26 at 7pm
Relaxed Performance:
Wednesday, May 27 at 2pm
Cafe Chat:
Thursday, May 28 at 7pm
Childcare Matinee:
Saturday, May 30 at 2pm
Book Club:
Saturday, May 30 at 2pm
Open Captions:
Saturday, May 30 at 7pm
Sunday, May 31 at 2pm
Audio Description:
Sunday, May 31 at 2pm
Open Mic:
Monday, June 1 at 7pm
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Lindsay Smiling
Co-Directed by Mark Wade
May 19–31, 2026
MORE ABOUT THE AMERICA PLAY:
A Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator named the “Foundling Father,” runs “the Great Hole of History,” a tourist attraction where visitors can meet other historical lookalikes. The poetic repetition and evocative jazz-like style of this canonic text mimics the harmful patterns and toxic ideologies perpetuated throughout American history. The America Play is a daring exploration of the fractured stories that shape our nation from one of our most prominent American playwrights, Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner, Suzan-Lori Parks. Directed by HotHouse Member and Co-Artistic Director Lindsay Smiling (The Half-God of Rainfall), this play challenges us to redefine what it means to be American in the context of our current political landscape. The Wilma’s HotHouse ensemble brings this imaginative work to life, creating a space for active dialogue, catharsis, and deep connection with the audience.
Runtime: 1 hour 40 mins including a 15 min intermission
This performance includes repetitive reenacted gun violence,
gunshot sound effects, themes of death and familial absence.
Lindsay Smiling stars as a Black Foundling Father in ‘The America Play’ – The Philadelphia Tribune
The Wilma Theater, Head House Books, and Harriett’s Bookshop are teaming up for a special book club event, inspired by one of our most prominent American playwrights, Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner, Suzan-Lori Parks play, THE AMERICA PLAY.
The Wilma partners with local organization The Fathering Circle for The America Play
From the Founding Fathers to the Foundling Father, we’re bringing fathers and families together to explore the Great Hole of History and more.
As part of this year’s Accessible Productions Initiative, The Wilma Theater welcomes The Fathering Circle as Community Partner for The America Play. Members of The Fathering Circle will present a selection of spoken word, poems, and stories inspired by the play, and host a talkback with the director and lead actor, Lindsay Smiling.
Talkback – Sunday, May 24th, after the 2 pm show
Open Mic Night – Monday, June 1st, 7 PM
Learn More About THE FATHERING CIRCLE
Support from The William Penn Foundation
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Lindsay Smiling
Director/Foundling Father
Mark Wade
Co-Director
Ross Beschler
Actor 1
Kimberly S. Fairbanks
Lucy
Campbell O’Hare
Actor 2
Brandon J. Pierce
Brazil
Mariah Ghant
Dramaturg
Leigh Ivory Clark Paradise
Costume Designer
Krista Smith
Lighting Designer
Larry Fowler
Sound Designer
Matthew Zumbo
Set Designer
Anthony Martinez-Briggs
Care Consultant
Patreshettarlini Adams
Resident Stage Manager
Sloane Duzy
Assistant Stage Manager
Season Sponsor
Honorary Producer
Dr. R. J. Wallner
