Felicia Curry Shines as Madam Ford in ‘Merry Wives’

Award-winning DC actor Felicia Curry is bringing Madam Ford to life in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s (STC) vibrant new production of “Merry Wives.” This fresh reimagining of Shakespeare’s comedy is set within a West African community in Harlem and features an entirely Black cast, offering a culturally specific and accessible lens through which to experience the classic play.

A Dream Role in a Dream Production

For Curry, who has graced stages across the DC area, performing Shakespeare in her hometown at STC, especially in a Jocelyn Bioh adaptation, represents a trifecta of dreams coming true. “This is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she shared. “I’ve wanted to do Shakespeare in my hometown in DC, and I wanted to do a Jocelyn Bioh adaptation. I have three dreams coming true in this one momentous moment at Shakespeare Theatre Company, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.”

Curry highlights Bioh’s adaptation for making Shakespeare accessible by centering the story within a West African community in Harlem, allowing audiences to see themselves reflected in the narrative. “She’s made the language understandable, and she’s given it color and nuance,” Curry explained. “It’s funny, and it’s Black joy, and it’s laughs, and it’s community. It’s exactly what the world needs right now, but especially DC.”

Madam Ford: A Dynamic Character

Curry finds Madam Ford to be a dynamic and fun character to portray. “What I love about Madam Ford is that she is put together. She is a boss. She runs things, she runs a laundromat, so she is a business owner, she is an entrepreneur, she is smart, but in the midst of all that, she loves to play a little trick, and has no problem doing that, and wants to get everybody involved.” Curry emphasizes that despite the playful trickery, the play is rooted in community and love, offering a lighthearted reminder of how people should treat each other.

Her experience performing in musicals, including Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” on Broadway and at the Kennedy Center, has influenced her approach to this role. Curry notes that musicals and Shakespeare share similarities in their focus on deeply rooted characters with big emotions, presented in dynamic ways. “Shakespeare and musicals, especially Sondheim, aren’t that different. They are about rooted characters with big emotions, trying to get big things done in a dynamic way,” she said.

Artistry, Validation, and Community Impact

Reflecting on her accolades, including Helen Hayes Awards, Curry expresses immense gratitude but emphasizes that her passion stems from the art itself. “I know so many people, my friends who don’t have awards and should. I take every award, every accolade with full gratefulness, but understanding that I’m doing it because I love the art,” she stated. For her, the true reward lies in creating stories that allow audiences to experience different perspectives and explore humanity, especially in moments of silence and unspoken emotion within a performance.

Curry is proud that DC is the second city to host this adaptation of “Merry Wives,” seeing it as a “little moment of resistance” and a celebration of Black community and joy amidst current events. She hopes audiences, particularly those new to Shakespeare or apprehensive about it, will find Jocelyn Bioh’s adaptation accessible, fun, and a reminder of the importance of community and love.