The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body
by Lisa B Thompson
Directed by Kathryn Ervin
The Black Rep
February 7, 2026
Image: The Black Rep
The Black Rep’s reputation for excellent, thought-provoking theatre continues with their latest production, the movement-and-music rich The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting when I first went into this play, but the result was an immersive and intensive exercise in empathy, highlighted by well-paced staging and a strong cast. It’s a celebration of culture and humanity, and although it is aimed primarily at Black women and girls, it features several subjects to which many in the audience will be able to relate regardless of background, as well as providing cultural insight and facilitating education and empathy.
The story is really more of a presentation than a plot, as college professor Beatrice “Bea” Free (Velma Austin) works in her home office on a book she’s calling by the same name as the play. She is accompanied by two characters who represent aspects of herself–Cee (Janelle Grace), who represents the body, and Dee Dee (Ricki Franklin), who represents the soul, while Bea herself represents the mind. Bea’s presentation basically tells her own life story and experiences while also emphasizing the importance of various issues that confront Black women from childhood to adulthood, including physical health, dealing with prejudice and the treatment of the wider world, cultural development, and perhaps especially, aging and the issues that particularly effect Black women as they grow older. There are segments about body types, hair, secrets and forgiveness, healthcare challenges particular to Black women, and more.
The form of the show is more like performance art, with dialogue augmented with dance sequences, recitations, and singing, covering various styles and formats. There’s even a degree of audience participation, as the performers invite viewers up to dance with them, and encourage Black women to contribute their stories on paper. It’s an engaging, entertaining, and heartfelt production, with much to think about and learn. The cast, led by the always excellent Black Rep veteran Austin as Bea, and with strong support from Franklin and Grace. All three work well as a team, carrying the story and message with energy and emotion. The musical elements and movement are also especially memorable, with strong work from composers Dr. Guthrie P. Ramsey and Wayv Wilson, and impressive choreography by Heather Beal.
The set by Reiko Huffman is striking and, along with Denisse Chavez’s lighting and Ahsa-Ti Nu’s sound design and props by Taijha Silas, helps set and maintain the mood and vibe of the story. There’s also fine work from costume designer Marissa Perry.
Overall, The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body is a fascinating, well-performed work that has much to say for Black women and girls, as well as others in the audience who will be given an insightful look into this specific perspective. It’s a celebration of culture and experience, as well as a lesson in empathy and understanding. It’s an intriguing and memorable evening of theatre.
The Black Rep is presenting The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body at Wash U’s A. E. Hotchner Studio Theatre until March 1, 2026