The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will be transformed into 1850s Virginia this Saturday with a special performance of a play in honor of Black History Month.

“Let My People Go: A Journey on the Underground Railroad” will be performed Saturday at 11 a.m. by the Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads.

“It is really important for us, not just this month but every month, to remember the things that shaped our history,” said Jessica Pinsky, managing director of the Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads. “I’m very privileged to have written this story to make it relatable to people of all ages. It’s more inspirational than anything, but we’ve put a lot of educational things to make it well rounded and approachable for anybody.”

The play is based on the true story of a runaway slave named Clarissa Davis, who was from Portsmouth and whose story was recorded by abolitionist William Still in his book, “The Underground Railroad Records.” Her name is changed to Caroline in the play, but many other details are the same, Pinsky said.

“It follows her journey and really what the Underground Railroad was right here in Hampton Roads,” Pinsky said. “It follows her journey from Portsmouth to Norfolk and Philadelphia after she eventually escaped Virginia.”

Most of the play takes place in flashbacks to 1854, Pinsky said. There is a cast of four performers, two of whom play more than one character.

“They’ll change their voice and their mannerisms, and they’ll become a new character,” Pinsky said.

Though the group, as evidenced by its name, gears its plays towards children, Pinsky said this play is recommended for ages 5 and up due to its subject matter.

“We get a lot of adults who may or may not have children coming to see it,” she said.

The play will be educational as well as inspirational and enjoyable, Pinksy said.

“We use a lot of symbolism in the play, and we use narration as a teaching tool,” she said.

“It’s not a musical, but there is music in it,” she added. Some songs in the play include “Wade in the Water” and “Follow the Drinking Gourd.”

Tickets for the play are $5 per person and are available at the door or online at www.suffolkcenter.org.