The city of Gainesville is commemorating the U.S.’s 250th anniversary with a theatrical presentation of “Six Triple Eight” in January.
According to a city of Gainesville press release, “Six Triple Eight” recounts the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit that served in Europe during World War II. Tasked with clearing a backlog of 17 million undelivered letters, the battalion restored hope and connection for American troops abroad. Guided by their motto, “No Mail, Low Morale,” these women completed their mission in half the expected time despite wartime conditions, segregation and limited resources.
The city is producing the performance in partnership with Star Center Theatre. Showtimes are slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026; 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026; and 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
All three performances will be staged at the historic downtown Gainesville Old Post Office, 25 SE 2nd Place, which currently houses a performing arts theater (Hippodrome Theatre). Completed in 1911, the Old Post Office served as a federal building for many years, housing the U.S Post Office, federal courthouse and land office.
The release states that the Old Post Office’s “history as a mail hub reflects the story of the 6888th battalion.”
For ticket information, contact Star Center Theatre at www.starcentertheatre.org/home. Complimentary tickets are available for veteran organizations at caevents@GainesvilleFL.gov.
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This is good news. I had not heard about the movie from which this play was derived. That said, I’m afraid the Orange Imbecile that Occupies the White House will attempt to make the 250 celebration all about him. We’ll hear that he signed the Declaration of Independence and was there in New York when George Washington was first inaugurated, and Ole Bone Spurs will also claim he single handedly won WW1 and WW2. So a play based on the success of non-white characters is a great idea. Hopefully, the Golfer who won 38 Club Championships won’t shut it down.