Sat 10/10 @ 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, in storytelling and music.
The script was written by local actor/director/dancer/educator Treva Offutt. The music was composed by Craig Matis, who created the multi-media experimental music ensemble Uzizi back in the 1980s. Offutt and Matis co-wrote the lyrics for the piece, which has had several performances over the past year.
This weekend it will have a free performance at the West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, a church known for its commitment to social justice. Doors opens at 12:45pm; the performance begins at 2pm.Prior to the performance there will be refreshments and an exhibition of Matis’s artwork. Stay after the performance for a Q&A session and the chance to meet the performers and creators.
RSVP at West Shore 440-333-2255 or racialequitybuddies@gmail.com.