Court-Martial at Fort Devens production to take place March 1-17 at Arlington Friends of the Drama theater

Court Martial at Fort Devens

March 1-17, 2024

by Jeffrey Sweet

Directed by Lisa Miller-Gillespie

Production Manager Susan Harrington

When a group of young black women join the Women’s Army Corps during WWII, they’re promised training as medical technicians. But a racist Colonel at Fort Devens has other ideas, and demotes them to cleaning duty. The battle of wills leads to a confrontation in which the colonel makes comments so offensive that the WACs pull an immediate strike.

Though a visiting general is able to compel most of the women to go back to work, two refuse and are held for trial. Defended by a civilian lawyer who’s never tried a court-martial, they embark on an uphill fight to change the status quo. Based on a true story, this gripping and inspiring drama explores the complexities of standing up for one’s rights.