Wiley’s utterly astounding work most often splits my heart open. Then it heals it — but requests to leave little scars. And it’s the scars that enable a bit more stretch, a bit more understanding, a bit more light. — Stephen Barefoot
Gesa Power House Theatre proudly presents Mike Wiley’s historical play One Noble Journey on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m. This programming is brought to you in part by WESTAF and the National Endowment of the Arts.
Henry “Box” Brown was an African American born into slavery in 1816 in Louisa County, Virginia. Although he was not subjected to physical violence, Henry’s story (the basis for One Noble Journey) demonstrates the cruelty of slavery was every bit as devastating to the heart as it could be on the body. After his family was torn apart and parceled out to various beneficiaries of the estate, Henry devised an ingenious escape plan – sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.
One Noble Journey also recounts the daring and miraculous quest for freedom of Ellen Craft and her husband William, who were born into slavery in Georgia. Ellen Craft, who was very light skinned, disguised herself as a sickly, white gentleman traveling to Philadelphia for medical treatment. Ellen and William, who acted as her slave throughout the journey, bravely traveled on public trains and steamers as they made their way up the eastern seaboard to Philadelphia. Eventually they were forced to sail for England after the Fugitive Slave Law enabled slave hunters to pursue them even in free states.
About Mike Wiley: Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley has spent the last decade fulfilling his mission to bring educational theatre to young audiences and communities across the country. In the early days of his career, Wiley found few theatrical resources to shine a light on key events and figures in African-American history. To bring these stories to life, he started his own production company. Through his performances, Wiley has introduced countless students and communities to the legacies of Emmett Till, Henry “Box” Brown and more.
Reserved seating tickets are $35 and are available online or by calling the box office at 509-529-6500. To join our +Power Club, learn more and click here.
