“A Brick and a Bible”: A Play by Bread and Roses

A Brick and a Bible tells the story of the 1933 Funsten Nut Strike in St. Louis. Facing low wages, unsafe conditions, and Jim Crow segregation, Black women organized over 2,000 workers across five factories. This bold act of solidarity positioned St. Louis at the intersection of workers’ and civil rights. The strike culminated with an organizer holding a brick in one hand and a Bible in the other, symbolizing the workers’ determination and faith. With original jazz and blues score, this story highlights the pivotal role of Black women in the struggle for justice in St. Louis and beyond.

A Brick and a Bible is written by Kathryn Bentley and Colin McLaughlin, with original music by Alicia Revé Like.

Please note that Thursday night’s performance is a free final preview as part of the Thursday Nights at the Museum series and seating is first-come, first-served. There are opportunities to see ticketed performances at the Museum February 20-22. Visit breadandrosesmo.org to purchase tickets for shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets cost $15/person or $10/person for groups of 10 or more.

Join us in the Grand Hall before our main-stage event to enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Amighetti’s. Chat with a historian at our Historian’s Corner to learn more about the Funsten Nut Strike and other stories of St. Louis labor history, and try out our challenge inspired by the strike.

Schedule

• 5–7pm | Food and drinks available for purchase from Amighetti’s.
• 5:00–6:30pm | Visit the Historian’s Corner and try out our Funsten Nut Stike–inspired challenge.
• 6:30–8:00pm | Head to the Lee Auditorium (lower level) for a performance of A Brick and a Bible, which tells the story of the 1933 Funsten Nut Strike in St. Louis.

Event Type: Community Event
When: Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 05:00 PM
Location: Missouri History Museum
Neighborhood: City-Wide
Ward: Many wards
Admission: Free.
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