They agitated the nation. They agitated each other. They changed the course of American history.

Experience the unlikely but true story of the 45-year friendship between famed suffragette Susan B. Anthony and escaped slave turned civil rights leader Frederick Douglass at Phoenix Theatre’s presentation of The Agitators by Mat Smart premiering Friday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. with a preview on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.

Brimming with modern urgency and relevance, the play chronicles the friendship and sometimes rivalry between Anthony and Douglass from their first meeting in the 1840s. The young activists were full of hopes, dreams, and a common purpose. As they grew to become the cultural icons known today, their movements collided, and their friendship was severely tested. Through it all, they survived a Civil War, ridicule and violence, and ascended to the highest halls of government with their message of freedom.

The Agitators by Mat Smart is made possible through the generous Production Sponsorship of Marianne Glick and Mike Woods and Production Underwriters Lambda Chi Alpha and EnviroForensics. Sponsorship for the Phoenix Theatre’s 2019/2020 Season is generously provided by Dr. Daniel H. Spitzberg, M.D.