Sat 10/11 @ 8PM
Sun 10/12 @ 2PM
White abolitionist John Brown was driven by his Christian evangelical faith to oppose slavery in the U.S. but he also believed “by any means necessary” including violence. He organized the legendary slave uprising at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, in 1859, and was executed for doing so.
John Brown: The Dulcimer Diaries is a new “musical/radio play” that focuses on Brown and the era he lived in: the polarization in the mid 1800s between abolitionists and those who believed slave-owning was valid, reflecting the polarization in our country today. The piece explores the life and times of Brown and those who influenced and supported him, both black and white.
The script was written by actor/director/dancer/educator Treva Offutt who directed Karamu’s current production, Sistas. The music was written by Craig Matis, who created the multi-media experimental music ensemble Uzizi. Offutt and Matis co-wrote the lyrics for the piece which will have two performances at Dunham Tavern Museum this weekend.
In a sign of the times, a friend told CoolCleveland, “I just learned last night that the White House told the staff at the Harpers Ferry to take down any sign that references the institution of slavery in America, which makes one wonder what the purpose of the national park will be, at this point?”
Get tickets here.