Clare Coss, Playwright - Writing and reading one-woman plays about Lillian Wald and Mary White Ovington, feminist women who fought against poverty, racism, and war

“In DANGEROUS TERRITORY, Clare Coss has imagined a totally convincing conversation delivered as a monologue by Mary White Ovington a founder of the NAACP. We are gripped by the conflict dividing Ovington and a furious pater familias who has come to ‘rescue’ his daughter from her own choice—to work for African-American equality alongside the charismatic Ovington, an early 20th century descendant of abolitionists. Besides writing an altogether believable one-woman play, Clare Coss reads her own script with a light, deft and persuasive delivery that suggests a stage full of characters, each with a fully developed persona.”

Sandi E. Cooper, Professor of History, College of Staten Island and the Graduate Center, CUNY

“Clare Coss’ fast-paced and moving play about Mary White Ovington, one of America’s pioneering leaders for racial justice is a play for our time. Coss’ brilliant dramatic reading of DANGEROUS TERRITORY energized and inspired our NOW New York State convention audience.”

Lois Shapiro-Canter, president National Organization for Women, New York State

“DANGEROUS TERRITORY is a fresh and gripping portrait of Mary White Ovington. Playwright Clare Coss’ dramatic reading, presented to the Eastern Long Island branch, casts a floodlight on the timeless and spirited fight for racial justice. Scenes from Ovington’s first awareness of race to her close alliance to W.E.B. DuBois, spring to life as the drama unfolds. Ovington is a voice we need to hear in this country today.”

Lucius Ware, President, Eastern Long Island branch, NAACP

“In bringing us the fight one woman made, DANGEROUS TERRITORY dramatizes the early 20th Century struggle against racism. This is a part of our history which must not be forgotten. Thanks to Clare Coss for a vivid and imaginative theatre event. The play energizes us to keep on keeping on.”

Joanne Grant, Author ELLA BAKER, FREEDOM BOUND; Producer, FUNDI: THE STORY OF ELLA BAKER

Running Time: One Hour
Requirements: Lectern

Presented at Colleges and Universities,
Conferences and Conventions,
Community Centers and Schools

Clare Coss welcomes discussion with the audience sparked by the play. For booking information, contact Clare Coss: clarechi@gmail.com.

MARY WHITE OVINGTON (1868-1951)

Mary White Ovington was not a dutiful daughter. She rebelled against the expectations of her family and became the first white woman in 20th century America to dedicate her life to racial justice.

In DANGEROUS TERRITORY, Ovington is confronted by the angry father of her young colleague. They struggle in a tug of war for the future of a spirited young woman who has chosen a life of freedom and defiance. Their fight over her destiny throws them up against issues of parental protection, responsibility, and integrity. The eternal beckoning to follow one's heart reveals how strength of courage builds in the face of fierce opposition.

DANGEROUS TERRITORY dramatizes Ovington’ s journey beyond the narrow confines of her comfortable New York home. We meet a cast of dynamic characters whose virtues and contradictions propel her along the way: from the careless white boys at the Greenpoint Settlement to the adversarial African-American leaders, Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois.

Miss Ovington and Dr. DuBois forged a vigorous and spirited friendship. Their alliance led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The play takes place on the afternoon of August 20, 1920 in the NAACP national office, New York City.

Readings of DANGEROUS TERRITORY (Partial Listing):

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Eastern Long Island Branch
Webster University, St. Louis, MO
University of Wisconsin, Superior, WI
New York State NOW Convention, Albany, NY

Kathleen Chalfant presented a dramatic reading of DANGEROUS TERRITORY (and received a standing ovation) in the Zora Neale Hurston Writer's Project, New Federal Theatre, New York City. Bryna Wortman directed.