The Blood Quilt Set to Make World Premiere at Arena Stage

The Blood Quilt, begins performances at Arena Stage tonight. The show centers on four disconnected sisters who reunite after their mother’s death. At their childhood home off the coast of Georgia, the sisters begin to create a family quilt in their mother’s honor. When this meeting turns into a reading of their mother’s will, they are all presented with a troubling inheritance. Their "blood quilt" of history and ritual has the power to bind them together or tear them apart forever.

Written by Katori Hall and directed by Kamilah Forbes, the show features Afi Bijou as Zambia, Caroline Clay as Gio, Meeya Davis as Amber, Nikiya Mathis as Cassan, and Tonye Patano as Clementine.

The creative team includes Michael Carnahan (set design), Dede Ayite (costume design), Michael Gilliam (lighting design), Timothy M. Thompson (sound design), Toshi Reagon (composer and vocal consultant), and Kurt Hall (stage manager).

"Writing the play was a transformative experience for me," says playwright Katori Hall, "driving me to learn about the rich, cultural heritage of African-American quilters that extends even throughout my own family. I love each and every one of the Jernigan sisters as if they were my own, and I'm excited to share this new piece with D.C.-area audiences."

Performances will run through June 7.

For tickets and more information, click here.