The USA Premiere
First premiering in the UK in 2015, this sweeping epic tragedy finally heads to the USA in 2018. Written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, this historical drama follows two vastly different characters during the era of Independence, as their paths collide with each other, as well as with famous historical figures. Bravely arguing that America's historic mistake was due to Jefferson's failure to protect the concept of universal freedom for everyone, this timely drama will raise questions and eyebrows at the Ford Theatre next spring.
Confronting the harsh truth that Jefferson himself owned slaves and forcibly fathered children by them, this uncompromising play takes place in the dying days of the war of Independence. Christian is a Quaker who is filled with a desire to fight the British alongside his hero, Jefferson. Meanwhile, Susannah is a slave who is desperately trying to escape the south, promised freedom by the British. When they cross paths, they fall in love; however their happiness is shortlived when Jefferson's reality of equality falls far short of the Declaration's promises.
