The history of the United States is not just the story of battles fought between nations and ideologies. It’s also the story of the people who won and lost the personal struggles that shaped that history.

“Martin R. Delaney: The Pittsburgh Years” is one of those latter stories. It opens a very personal window into the life and times of Delaney, a free black man, who lived in Pittsburgh during the years when slavery was still legal in large parts of the nation and teaching a black person to read was a crime.

Wali Jamal wrote and performs the one-man show that narrates Delaney’s years in Pittsburgh as a doctor, newspaper publisher and political activist.

Produced by Jamal’s company, History’s Flipside, and directed by Marci Woodruff, the narrative had its debut at Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theatre on Thursday .

As with any new show, it could be shorter, tighter and better focused. Nevertheless, it’s often moving, occasionally humorous and highly educational.

The production runs through Feb. 28 at Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, Downtown. Details: 412-394-3353 or www.proartstickets.org .

Copyright ©2026— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)