Fannie

Oct 15 – Nov 21, 2021 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

1 hour and 10 minutes with no intermission

Inspired by the life of famed civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer and performed and sung by Chicago’s E. Faye Butler, this passionate rally cry defines what it means to be a true revolutionary.

Fannie Lou Hamer, the 1960s civil rights activist whose bravery, humor and grit reminds us that there’s courage in the face of fire, hope in tomorrow and that we all have a stake in our country. Replete with music and spirituality, this electric, immersive call to action defines what it means to be a true revolutionary. A Goodman commission, Ms. West’s play appeared in the 2019 New Stages Festival, and in abridged form, Fannie Lou Hamer, Speak On It!, in Chicago parks in fall 2020.

Originally co-commissioned and developed by Goodman Theatre and Seattle Repertory Theatre, with additional development by Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Read Content Advisory Info

Fannie (The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer) is appropriate for ages 14 and up. It contains mature themes and descriptions of violence. For more information contact the box office at 312.443.3800

Please note: Proof of vaccination (fourteen days after second dose for ages 12+; fourteen days after first dose for children 5 – 11) with an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine is required for all guests. For unvaccinated children under 12 and other exceptions, a recent negative COVID-19 test will be accepted. Masks are required at all times while inside Goodman Theatre. Learn more GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.

Group Tickets: Now available for 10+, email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions? Need help? Contact the box office at (312) 443-3800, 12noon – 5pm, daily.

For Theater of the Mind: Performance buyouts are available for groups (16 or more). Groups save $10 on tickets as well as waived service fees email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for availability.

Critical Praise

[E. Faye Butler is] “a Chicago star of the highest wattage”

– Chicago Tribune
“Fannie Lou Hamer takes us to church“

– Chicago Reader
“The magnificent E. Faye Butler [is] the perfect performer to play Fannie Lou Hamer“

– Chicago Sun-Times
“The indomitable E. Faye Butler dazzles in the titular role, sucking the audience in like a whirlpool“

– Chicago Reader
“A richly layered performance that is both welcoming to all people and highly entertaining“

– Chicago Tribune

Audience Feedback

Dynamic performance, and essential message…May we each demonstrate Fannie Lou Hamer’s courage and strength.

Lillian W. via Facebook
E. Faye Butler gave a powerful delivery and challenged every person in every seat!

DrNayshon M. via Facebook
This show should be a must see for everyone. The acting was superb and the message [is] still relevant.

Billie G. via Facebook
Energetic, Realistic, and Truthful Performance! Awesome show!

GL R. via Facebook
This was everything and more!! It made me laugh, sing, want to cry and gave me joy…A must-see play.

Sasha R. via Facebook
Entertaining while also sharing a great message…it shows we have moved down the road in the civil rights movement since the early days, but by no means far enough.

Undine S. via Facebook