Ford’s Theatre Launches New Legacy Commissions
Ford’s Theatre, a cornerstone of Washington D.C.’s cultural landscape, is embarking on an exciting new initiative: the Legacy Commissions. This program is set to develop compelling new theatrical works that thoughtfully bridge the chasm between historical events and the most pressing contemporary issues, all inspired by the enduring legacy of Abraham Lincoln. For DC locals, these commissions promise fresh perspectives and powerful storytelling rooted in themes highly relevant to our community.
A New Chapter for Ford’s Theatre
Long recognized as the historic site of President Lincoln’s assassination and a venue for American history productions, Ford’s Theatre is now dramatically expanding its artistic vision. The Legacy Commissions represent a significant commitment to developing new plays that powerfully connect with modern audiences, exploring the complex tapestry of American identity and the ongoing struggle for justice. This initiative solidifies Ford’s role as both a vital historical landmark and a vibrant incubator for contemporary American theatre, ensuring its continued relevance for generations.
The core philosophy behind these commissions is to harness the power of Lincoln’s life and ideals—his commitment to unity, freedom, and justice—as a lens through which to examine today’s societal challenges. By commissioning playwrights to connect the past with the present, Ford’s Theatre seeks to ignite conversations that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally profound for our diverse Washington D.C. community, encouraging deep reflection on national identity and progress.
The Inaugural Plays: Stories Unfolding
“Familiar and The Dreamer” by Brittany Allen
One of the first profound works to emerge from this groundbreaking program is “Familiar and The Dreamer,” penned by the talented playwright Brittany Allen. This poignant drama delves into the intimate struggles of a Black family striving to maintain their bonds in an America that frequently tests their resilience. The narrative masterfully weaves together the personal anxieties of a mother and son with larger historical echoes, including the weighty promise of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, forcing a reckoning with both past and present realities.
Under the direction of Washington D.C.’s own esteemed artist, Psalmayene 24, the play is poised to offer a deeply personal yet universally resonant exploration of family, identity, and the ongoing quest for racial justice. It asks profound questions about what it means to inherit history and how individuals navigate a national identity that has often been contradictory, especially for Black Americans. Local audiences will surely find its themes of struggle, hope, and generational legacy intimately familiar and powerfully affecting.
“The Resurrection of Alice” by Jonathan Norton
The second compelling commission is “The Resurrection of Alice” by Jonathan Norton, a timely and powerful piece exploring themes of activism, community, and the search for truth. The play centers on Alice, a Black activist whose sudden disappearance after a violent police encounter in a Texas suburb leaves her community grappling with loss, memory, and the urgent need for accountability. She is presumed dead, yet her absence sparks a collective journey for answers and justice, revealing the enduring impact of her activism.
Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell, this work promises to be a gripping examination of contemporary issues such as police brutality, the profound impact of trauma on communities, and the enduring power of collective action. For D.C. residents, a city often at the forefront of national discussions on civil rights and social justice, “The Resurrection of Alice” will undoubtedly spark crucial dialogue and reflection on how communities respond to injustice and uphold the legacies of their activists in the face of adversity.
| Play Title | Primary Themes | Director (Local Relevance) |
|---|---|---|
| Familiar and The Dreamer | Family, racial identity, Lincoln’s promise, historical reckoning, resilience | Psalmayene 24 (Prominent D.C. artist and playwright) |
| The Resurrection of Alice | Activism, police brutality, community, memory, justice, truth | Raymond O. Caldwell (Engaged with D.C. theatre community) |
Implications for D.C. and Beyond
These commissions represent more than just new plays; they signify Ford’s Theatre’s deepening commitment to fostering a more inclusive narrative within American theatre. By actively seeking out and developing works that tackle complex contemporary issues through diverse perspectives, Ford’s is solidifying its role as a relevant cultural institution for the 21st century. For D.C. audiences, this means access to cutting-edge theatre that not only entertains but also challenges, provokes thought, and encourages vital community discourse on subjects that directly affect our daily lives.
The initiative also contributes significantly to the national theatrical landscape by providing a robust platform for emerging and established playwrights to explore urgent themes with the institutional support of a renowned organization. The choice of plays reflects a nuanced understanding of America’s ongoing journey towards its founding ideals, making Ford’s Theatre a vital contributor to both local artistic vibrancy and the broader national conversation about justice, identity, and historical memory.
What to Watch Next
While full productions are still on the horizon, Washington D.C. theatre enthusiasts can anticipate initial glimpses of these powerful new works in the near future. Both “Familiar and The Dreamer” and “The Resurrection of Alice” are slated for virtual and in-person workshops during the spring of 2024. These workshops are crucial stages in a play’s development, allowing playwrights and directors to refine their scripts with actors, often culminating in public readings. Keep a close eye on Ford’s Theatre announcements for opportunities to be among the first to experience these nascent theatrical masterpieces.
Attending these early readings offers a unique chance for D.C. residents to engage directly with the creative process and provide feedback that helps shape the future of these plays. It’s an intimate way to connect with the artists and the stories before they reach their full production potential, underlining Ford’s Theatre’s dedication to community involvement in its artistic endeavors and ensuring these vital narratives are truly impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions?
They are a new initiative by Ford’s Theatre to develop and commission new theatrical works that explore contemporary issues through the historical lens of Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, aiming to connect the past with present-day concerns. - What plays are part of the initial commissions?
The first two commissioned plays are “Familiar and The Dreamer” by Brittany Allen and “The Resurrection of Alice” by Jonathan Norton, both addressing significant social themes. - When can D.C. audiences see these plays?
Virtual and in-person workshops are scheduled for Spring 2024. Public readings will likely follow, with full productions aimed for future seasons, so stay tuned for specific dates. - What kind of themes do these plays explore?
They tackle urgent contemporary themes such as racial identity, family resilience, activism, police brutality, and the quest for justice, connecting them to historical narratives and Lincoln’s ideals for a more perfect union. - Who is leading this new initiative at Ford’s Theatre?
The Legacy Commissions are being guided by José Carrasquillo, Director of Artistic Programming and Audience Development at Ford’s Theatre, showcasing the institution’s commitment to artistic innovation.
These Legacy Commissions underscore Ford’s Theatre’s dynamic commitment to addressing current societal challenges through compelling theatrical narratives. For Washington D.C. locals, it means exciting new opportunities to engage with powerful stories that reflect our shared history and future, making Ford’s Theatre an even more vital cultural hub in our city.
Ford’s Theatre Launches Legacy Commissions
