Partner: Historic Northampton
Site: Grounds of Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA
Dates: August 24-September 3, 2023 (Thurs, Fri at 6:30pm; Sat, Sun at 2pm & 6:30pm)
Tickets & More information: https://www.historicnorthampton.org/pulling-at-the-roots-plays-in-place.html/ 413-584-6011
Pulling at the Roots is a series of three short site-specific plays that guide the audience on a journey through three centuries of Northampton history. 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.
Circling Suspicion
by Talya Kingston, directed by Brianna Sloane
featuring: Christine Stevens, Bill Stewart & Linda Tardif
In 1678, Mary Bliss Parsons is struggling with ongoing accusations of witchcraft.
Rose
by Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed, directed by Brianna Sloane
Featuring: Tahmie Der and Matt Haas
In 1750, cleric Jonathan Edwards is confronted by the enslaved Rose.
The Optimist’s Razor
by Patrick Gabridge, directed by Brianna Sloane
Featuring: Myka Plunkett and Gabriel Levey
In 1842, abolitionists David and Lydia Maria Childs must make a decision that threatens their careers and marriage.
Costumes designed by Christina Beam. Sound Consultation by Amy Altadonna and Lighting Consultation by John Bechtold. Stage Management by Nikki Beck and Gabriel CiFuentes.
Content Advisory: the plays include themes of child loss and slavery and are recommended for adult audiences.
The run for 2023 has sold out, but we have hopes the show might come back in 2024.
The Hampshire Daily Gazette published a great profile piece of the project. Check out the story.
We also did a radio interview on ArtBeat. It’s at minute 42 on this site: https://whmp.com/podcasts/making-a-difference-by-design/
And there was a preview piece in the Springfield Republican. Read the story.