Pulling at the Roots
Three Plays About Northampton History produced by Plays in Place
August 24 - September 3, 2023
Please note: All performances have sold out.
Staged in the recently restored historic barn and on the grounds of Historic Northampton
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Commissioned by Historic Northampton and produced by Plays In Place, Pulling at the Roots is a series of three site-specific plays that move the audience through three centuries of Northampton history.
Set in the 1670s, Circling Suspicion by playwright Talya Kingston, brings us into the home and mind of Mary Bliss Parsons as she struggles with accusations of witchcraft. The play features Christine Stevens, Bill Stewart and Linda Tardif. Rose by Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed, explores a moment in 1750 between famous minister Jonathan Edwards and Rose, who is enslaved by Edwards, as they face being forced to leave Northampton. The play features Tahmie Der and Matt Haas. Finally, The Optimist's Razor by Patrick Gabridge, shows abolitionists David and Lydia Maria Child in 1842 as they confront a situation that threatens their careers and marriage. The play features Myka Plunkett and Gabriel Levey. The dramas of Pulling at the Roots examine two important historical themes: the meaning of home and women's search for autonomy. The goal of these plays is to breathe life and humanity into the historic narrative. |
The company consists of 15 local professional theatre artists and is led by director Brianna Sloane (The Emily Dickinson Project, The Mill Project, The Water Project). The acting ensemble features Tahmie Der, Matt Haas, Gabriel Levey, Myka Plunkett, Christine Stevens, Bill Stewart, and Linda Tardif. Costume design is by Christina Beam. Sound consultation is by Amy Altadonna and lighting consultation is by John Bechtold. Stage management is by Nikki Beck and Gabriel CiFuentes.
Content Advisory: The plays contain themes of child loss and slavery and are recommended for adult audiences.
Content Advisory: The plays contain themes of child loss and slavery and are recommended for adult audiences.
All three short plays are included in each performance, followed by a conversation with the playwrights.
