Flyin' West

In her Author’s Notes that precede the text of the play, Pearl Cleage mentions briefly that the land in the western states, including Kansas, was stolen from indigenous tribes. How do we reconcile this inspiring story about one oppressed group finding safety with the backstory of another oppressed group that lost their homes? If you were writing a note to an audience, how would you present this information?

Research the Exodus of 1879 and the story of the “exodusters,” including at least one major historical figure involved. Focus on events that Flyin’ West doesn’t describe or depict. How does this history enrich your understanding of the play?

Miss Leah tells Minnie and Fannie, “Grown people don’t change except to get more like what they are” (50). Name a character in the play who, over the course of the action, became more like who they really were. How did they evolve, and what caused them to change?

How does Flyin’ West comment on the idea of Black pride? Why is it important in the play? What challenges the characters’ ability to maintain it? Use specific examples from the text.

Research the historical town of Nicodemus, Kansas. How was it founded? Why was it notable? Why was it named Nicodemus? Given this information, what is symbolic or significant about Cleage’s choice to set the play in Nicodemus rather than another Black settlement?

Throughout the play, Miss Leah drops bits of wisdom, sometimes in an offhanded or sarcastic way. Choose a quote in which she gives important insight and evaluate why it’s significant to the characters in the play.

What commentary does the play make about Black women and the role of Black womanhood in society? How do the women in the play combat or uphold traditional gender roles? What sacrifices are they required to make to maintain an all-women household?

Of the play’s six characters, four survived slavery and two were born free. How do those who are former slaves differ from those who aren’t? What lessons do the two youngest characters need to learn from the four oldest characters’ experiences of slavery?