It all started with a book called African American Women of the Old West, discovered by playwright and Omaha native Beaufield Berry. “[It] had this beautiful photograph of Stagecoach Mary on the cover–a picture I had never seen before. A title of a book I had never considered before. I was shocked. OF COURSE, there were Black Women in the Wild West–what were we doing?? Who were we? There’s a whole time and space lost where Black women had a small but significant presence in what we call–the Wild West. There was a great community of Black cowboys on the range, and we’ve probably heard more of their stories than we have the women–well, of course we have. But when I discovered in that moment, that these stories are out there, these women are out there, I felt an immediate ZING. I knew I wanted to be a part of bringing their stories to the stage, and I knew I wanted to do it in a unique and interesting way.”
That way involves Pyramid Theatre Company here in town, and a joint presentation with the Des Moines Playhouse. Co-directed by Pyramid’s Tiffany Johnson and the Playhouse’s Katy Merriman, Buffalo Women tells the story of five unique women in the old West. This particular show has unique challenges, as it is only the second production of the script and is being workshopped here in Des Moines in preparation for larger venues. But the show has already grown, as Buffalo Women has increased from three characters in the initial presentation to five, and the music in the show has expanded significantly.
“Well, the plan was always for more characters,” explains Berry. “When we did the [original production], it was really focused on the first act of material which is what I was working from at the time, which was the introduction of those three characters Bethula, Zadie and Cathay. I knew how I wanted to introduce Biddy and Mary and that part of engaging the audience to return for the full show was promising them more characters to come.”
Another way of introducing those characters and their individual stories was through different styles of music incorporated in the show. Courageous Fire is a local artist and speaker (working tirelessly to empower women, especially in the African American community), and is the Music Director for Buffalo Women.
“The ONLY good reason to sing in a play in my opinion,” says Fire, “is if you’re going to help me better understand the story OR enhance the story in an engaging way that dialogue cannot/does not. If the singing doesn’t do that, why break the dialogue with singing at all? Once Tiffany asked me if I was interested in being the music director and I read this awesome script, she and I sat down to discuss the best approach to workshopping this play. In our brainstorming, Tiffany came up with a brilliant approach that I fell in love with – giving each character a musical genre! We decided that Bethula was Blues, Zadie is a mix of Gospel/R&B, Cathay was Soul, Biddy was Jazz, and Stagecoach Mary? Juke Joint!”
“Beaufield has been a wonderful collaborator with this workshop process,” continues Fire, “in that we wanted to interpret what I like to call the meaty soul of each piece. Beaufield has made space for me to listen to the singers, their characters, and then let the music show me how it could be further interpreted for the support of this brilliant story. I have learned many things along with my experience in choral direction, musical accompaniment, song arrangement, and songwriting, but the best 2 lessons are these – listen for the story, make sure you are complementing in what you are musically bringing to any project. That has been my intention to do that here with this process.”
The Managing Director of Pyramid Theatre Company, Alexis Davis, gets to step onstage with this production of Buffalo Women. She’s portraying Zadie, and gets to handle multiple responsibilities. “As Managing Director, it is interesting juggling the role of staff and as a cast member. I find myself putting on my ‘acting’ hat when in the rehearsal space and giving room for our directors to make decisions and deliver news to the cast. I think it’s fun to workshop a piece! Yes, there are challenges, specifically due to the changes made, but it’s fun to say you were a part of something while it was in its working stages.”
Davis is also proud of the story of Buffalo Women as it continues to evolve, and indeed of all the stories that Pyramid looks to produce and help create here in Central Iowa. “Challenge the norm. Demand the change you wish to see. Zadie was tired of being mistreated, so she took matters into her own hands. In doing so, she finds kinship in other women. Find those who inspire you to dare to dream and to do things a little differently.”
“It is important for us to continue to have spaces where we can share stories like Buffalo Women. The relatability is impeccable, and it shows that we are not far removed from history. We need Black art, and we need Black artists to stay in Des Moines and cultivate our communities. That is important in the development of this city, this state and this region.”
The last words about Buffalo Women go, as they should, to the playwright Beaufield Berry. “I think one of the exciting things about writing this show, which is historical but also highlights the parallels to life today, is what is staying true to who they really were and what is expanding into a modern version of Black womanhood. I love it when cast becomes family and I want to be in the room with everyone engaging and watching people work. The collaborations have really been spectacular and I’m so excited to share this play with new regions and people. It’s an American story and I want America to see it.”
Buffalo Women opens on Sunday, June 19 (Juneteenth) in the Kate Goldman Theatre at the Des Moines Playhouse and runs June 22-26. Tickets are available through both the Pyramid Theatre Company website and the DM Playhouse website and box office.