pulling at the roots: three plays about northampton history
Staged in the historic Shepherd Barn and on the grounds of Historic Northampton
at 66 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060
June 19 - 23, 2024 & June 26 - 29, 2024 & July 5 - 7, 2024
General Admission Sliding Scale: $15, $25 or $50
General Admission Sliding Scale: $15, $25 or $50
All performances are sold out.
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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 1841, The Optimist's Razor by Patrick Gabridge, shows abolitionists David and Lydia Maria Child confronting a decision that threatens their careers and marriage. Set and staged in the restored historic barn and the grounds of Historic Northampton, the dramas of Pulling at the Roots breathe life and humanity into two historical themes: the meaning of home and women's search for autonomy.
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. Learn more about the cast of characters portrayed.
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.
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Circling Suspicion
by Talya Kingston |
Rose
by Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed |
The Optimist's Razor
by Patrick Gabridge |
All three 25-minute plays will be performed every time and will be followed by a brief talkback with the artists and a historian.
In case of inclement weather, all the plays will be performed in the barn.
Parking for the performances is available at the Bridge Street School and along Bridge Street.
Parking for the performances is available at the Bridge Street School and along Bridge Street.
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.
a Florence, Massachusetts theatre company that brings historic stories to life with site-specific plays.
