Black Anthology celebrates 50 years with nostalgic 'It's Easy Going' performance

The student-run theater group's latest production explores 1960s activism and intergenerational dynamics.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Black Anthology's 2026 performance 'It's Easy Going' took audiences back to 1960s Philadelphia, where a family grapples with the disappearance of their activist daughter Nellie. The play, which ran January 30-31 at Washington University's Edison Theatre, blended sitcom-like humor with serious themes of social justice, tradition, and independence. Inspired by the culture and activism of the era, the student-run production reflected timeless dilemmas young people face as they grow up and find their own path.

Why it matters

Black Anthology has been celebrating Black culture and experiences at Washington University since 1989. The group's latest production, 'It's Easy Going,' not only honored the organization's 50-year legacy, but also explored universal themes of family, values, and standing up for one's beliefs - issues that continue to resonate with young people today.

The details

Set in the late 1960s during the Vietnam War, 'It's Easy Going' follows the disappearance of the main character, Nellie, and her family's attempts to understand her activism and growing independence. The play features nostalgic touches like dances to Motown hits, as well as serious discussions around the Pullman porters' union and the student protests happening in Philadelphia at the time. The set, designed to feel like a lived-in family home, was a collaborative effort that the cast and crew poured their passion into.

  • The play was performed on January 30 and 31, 2026.
  • The story is set during the Vietnam War era in the late 1960s.

The players

Black Anthology

A student-run theater group at Washington University that has been celebrating Black culture and experiences since 1989.

Nellie

The main character of 'It's Easy Going,' an activist whose disappearance drives the plot of the play.

Obike Anwisye

The set designer for 'It's Easy Going' and a four-year member of Black Anthology.

Ha-Ya Davis

The producer of 'It's Easy Going' and a senior at Washington University.

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What they’re saying

“It's an oxymoron in the sense that it's really not 'easy going.' These are your ideologies, your political beliefs. They're important to you. They're a part of who you are. Acting upon those beliefs can be very easy, but also it comes with its hardships, its consequences.”

— Ha-Ya Davis, Producer (studlife.com)

“It feels like a place that somebody might call home. Whether it's a brush stroke of paint on the set that somebody did when they had 15 minutes to spare, or if it's the most technically complex dance move or whatever our longest monologue is … the audience will see the effort that [the cast and crew] have put in so far.”

— Obike Anwisye, Set Designer (studlife.com)

“Everyone in the world is so deeply intertwined that as long as you are passionate about telling a story about not only the Black experience, but how the world intertwines with that, then Black Anthology is for you.”

— Obike Anwisye, Set Designer (studlife.com)

What’s next

Black Anthology is already planning its next production, which will likely explore more contemporary issues facing the Black community.

The takeaway

Black Anthology's 'It's Easy Going' demonstrated the power of student-led theater to tackle complex social and political themes in an accessible, entertaining way. The production's blend of history, activism, and family dynamics resonated with audiences, showcasing the group's continued relevance and impact after 50 years.