The Flight

The Flight, by acclaimed theatre artist Beryl Bain, explores the ground-breaking life of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman – the first African-American woman and the first Native-American to hold an international pilot’s license. Rising above economic obstacles and social barriers in the Roaring ’20s, she earned the nickname “Brave Bessie” and even her dreams were quite literally sky high. From flight school in Paris to spectacular barnstorming shows, Bessie dazzled audiences with her bravery, beauty, and technological mastery. The Flight evokes Bessie’s unshakable optimism, her determination, her vision, and the indomitable self-confidence that led her to soar above the clouds, reaching ever closer to the sun.

Curriculum Links

The Arts – Drama (Grades 7–12) Understanding Drama Forms & Conventions: Analyze how character, role, and storytelling convey themes of resilience and equity (Ontario Drama Curriculum: Creating and Presenting; Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing). Exploring Social Issues Through Drama: Examine historical and contemporary barriers faced by marginalized communities. Social Studies / Canadian & World Studies Historical Significance & Perspective-Taking: Connect Bessie Coleman’s life to early 20th-century race, gender, and technological developments (Ontario History: Historical Inquiry and Skill Development). Equity & Human Rights: Examine systemic discrimination and social change. English – Language / Literature Analyzing Texts: Identify themes, character motivations, and narrative structure in biographical storytelling (Ontario English Curriculum: Reading and Literature Studies). Critical Thinking: Evaluate how stories of real individuals reveal broader social issues. Science & Technology Aviation & Flight: Connect early aviation technology and principles of flight to scientific inquiry (Ontario Science Curriculum: Physics – Forces and Motion).

Artist