Pulling at the Roots: Three Plays About Northampton History
Commissioned by Historic Northampton and Produced by Plays in Place
June 19 - 29, 2024
Staged in the historic Shepherd Barn and on the grounds of Historic Northampton
Pulling at the Roots is a series of three site-specific plays that move the audience through three centuries of Northampton history.
Starting in the 1600s, Circling Suspicion by Talya Kingston, brings us into the home and mind of Mary Bliss Parsons as she struggles with accusations of witchcraft. Rose, by Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed explores a fraught exchange in 1750 between famous cleric Jonathan Edwards and Rose, who is enslaved by Edwards, as they face being forced to leave Northampton. Finally, set in 1842, The Optimist's Razor by Patrick Gabridge, shows abolitionists David and Lydia Maria Child confronting a decision that threatens their careers and marriage. |
Circling Suspicion by Talya Kingston
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Set and staged in the restored historic barn and the grounds of Historic Northampton, the dramas of Pulling at the Roots examine the meaning of home and women's search for autonomy and breathe the life of humanity into stories often flattened by history.
Rose by Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed
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This unique event features a company of fifteen local professional theatre artists, led by director Brianna Sloane (The Emily Dickinson Project, The Mill Project, The Water Project). The playwrights are Patrick Gabridge (Plays In Place Producing Artistic Director), Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed and Talya Kingston. The acting ensemble features: Bill Stewart, Christine Stevens, Linda Tardif, Matt Haas, Will MacAdams, Myka Plunkett, and Tahmie Der. Costumes designed by Christina Beam. Stage Management by Nikki Beck and Gabriel CiFuentes.
Content Advisory: The plays contain themes of child loss and slavery and are recommended for adult audiences. |
All three 25-minute plays will be performed every time and will be followed by a brief talkback with the artists and a historian.
Commissioned by Historic Northampton, the plays are produced by Plays In Place, a Florence, Massachusetts theatre company that brings historic stories to life with site-specific plays.
Sliding scale admission: $15-$50.
45 seats are available at each performance.
All seating is by General Admission.
Registration is required.
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The Optimist's Razor by Patrick Gabridge
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