Courtesy of Yale Dramat

Laced with themes of tenderness and resilience, “Intimate Apparel” tells the story of a Black seamstress in 1905 New York. Written by Lynn Nottage DRA ’89, the play navigates the challenges of a woman balancing the pursuit of desire with dignity. 

For Esther, a talented but lonely seamstress, stitching together silk and lace is a breeze compared to the challenge of stitching together her hopes of love, stability and belonging. The Spring Mainstage will run from April 2 to 5 in the University Theater. Tickets are available here. 

“It’s a story of friendship. It’s a story of struggle. And it’s a story about a woman learning to love herself,” said producer Angelica Peruzzi ’27. 

“Intimate Apparel” follows Esther, as she navigates a series of complex relationships in her ultimate pursuit of opening up a beauty parlor for Black women and finding the love of her life. For now, however, she is a seamstress who makes exquisite lingerie for her clients, who range from wealthy women to prostitutes. 

The show is a delicate exploration of race, gender, class and the quiet strength of a woman pursuing dignity and love. 

“It’s called ‘Intimate Apparel’ for a reason,” said Peruzzi. “We really want to make sure the audiences feel like they’re interacting with Esther as they get such a special little view into her life.” 

Esther is played by Elizabeth Swaine ’27. Finally returning to the Dramat Stage after her performance in last year’s FroShow “Dance Nation,” she said that she was excited to portray such a nuanced character. 

“Esther is hardworking and very driven, and I think that for me, it was about trying to balance those characteristics with tenderness and desire for love,” she said.

To Swaine, Esther believes that it is “never too late to create the life that you want for yourself.” Even though things do not always work out, Esther continues to dream — a mantra that deeply resonates with Swaine. 

Rounding out the small cast is a talented array of Yale actors. Playing the no-nonsense, pragmatic landlady Mrs. Dickinson is Gia George-Burgher ’26, while Richard George ’27 plays the charming yet complex George.

Mr. Marks, the shy, soft-spoken Romanian-Jewish fabric seller is played by Lucas Oland ’26. Additional actors include Asia Anderson ’28 as Mayme and Chloe Benardete ’28 as Mrs. Van Buren. 

“The characters have a lot of heart,” Swaine said. “In different ways, they are longing for a connection. I think that that’s something that a lot of people can relate to.”

The Dramat’s Mainstages are always directed by professional directors. This Spring show will be directed by New York-based director Chesray Dolpha. 

She has a rich directorial history, including working with the Theater Development Fund, St. Ann’s Warehouse and The Dream Center in Harlem. 

“She cares so much about making sure that everyone’s well-being is always prioritized and that everyone finds the experience fulfilling,” said Peruzzi. 

According to Peruzzi, Dolpha came into the process with a clear dogma: “process over production over perfection.” 

She wanted to create a space that encouraged actors to reach their full potential without over-exerting them. 

“She’s brought valuable experience to this project,” said Alex Shadman ’27, the stage manager. 

Dolpha’s experience and expertise is invaluable to Shadman. He said that working alongside her will undoubtedly contribute to his “future work here at Yale.”

Swaine echoed these feelings, describing the whole experience as filled with “kind individuals” that have made the whole experience worthwhile. 

“Intimate Apparel” welcomes audiences with its promise of tender romance and quiet beauty, but leaves them with a deeper meditation on resilience, self-worth and the enduring strength of connection.

“I encourage people to learn from Esther’s perseverance,” said Swaine. 

As the producer, Peruzzi has been preparing for these performances since last spring. Now that the time has finally arrived, she is excited to finally share this important story. 

“A lot of times we refrain from telling our stories because we think that no one’s gonna care about our individual experience,” she said. 

“What’s inspiring to me,” she continued, “is to think that this is one woman’s story — one woman’s life, one woman’s experience — and should empower other women to understand that the uniqueness of your life is what actually makes it important for you to tell the story. Your individual experience matters.”

“Intimate Apparel” is a beautiful quilt of experiences that, when woven together, create an inspiring story of resilience in the face of adversity. 

The play was written by Lynn Nottage in 2003 and debuted at Center Stage Baltimore the same year.