Gladys Bentley

It's the morning that Gladys Bentley will introduce her new self to the world, but can she get her past to leave before it exposes her?

Gladys Alberta Bentley was an American blues singer, pianist, and entertainer during the Harlem Renaissance. Her career skyrocketed when she appeared at Harry Hansberry's Clam House in New York in the 1920s, as a black, lesbian, cross-dressing performer. Said Langston Hughes of Ms. Bentley, “she was an amazing exhibition of musical energy – a large, dark, masculine lady, whose feet pounded the floor while her fingers pounded the keyboard – a perfect piece of African sculpture, animated by her own rhythm.”

Written by Kaaron Briscoe

Performed by Cristina Pitter

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