Written, directed, and performed
by Lissa Brennan
Online: January 31st through February 28th 2021
In one year in the early part of the 20th century, the deaths of 196 men in one Southwestern Pennsylvania steel mill were the result of workplace accidents. This is the story of one that wasn’t. The first of a trilogy of storytelling pieces inspired by dark folklore and murder ballads, in which the steel mills of Southwestern Pennsylvania play a pivotal role.
Following a successful run of Grist From The Mill: 1902 at Carnegie Stage in January 2020, PPTCO is proud to present our world premiere filmed adaptation of this one-woman show, written by and starring Lissa Brennan.
Brennan and Director of Photography P.J. Gaynard took to the streets of Pittsburgh and locations in which the story takes place: mooring cells and sunken barges off the Monongahela River; city steps winding through the South Side; muddy trails through forested parks. Through the generosity of partners Rivers Of Steel, they were able to access Carrie Blast Furnaces Historical Landmark, showcasing the looming structure that endures as part of Pittsburgh’s physical landscape.
This production’s run has ended, but you can still watch our Facebook Live interview hosted by Naomi Ritter with Lissa Brennan and cinematographer/editor PJ Gaynard, or read the production credits. Read more about how our online season will work.
You can donate now to support our new season.
Press coverage: Pittsburgh Magazine, Pittsburgh Today Live (video), Pittsburgh Current
Production Photos
The 2020-2021 Season of Plays has been supported by:
Allegheny Regional Asset District
Bloomberg Philanthropies
The Heinz Endowments:
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh
Opportunity Fund
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Richard King Mellon Foundation
The Donor’s Circle and Board of Trustees
Grist From The Mill: 1902 illustration by Juliandra Jones / PBJ Customs