The Hampton Years |
To request script:
Morgan Jenness ABRAMS ARTISTS AGENCY morgan.jenness (at) abramsartny.com 646.486.4600 |
Synopsis
The Hampton Years explores the relationship between art professor Viktor Lowenfeld and his students, John Biggers and Samella Lewis. Lowenfeld joined the Hampton Institute in Virginia in 1939 as assistant professor of Industrial Arts and studio art teacher. He was later appointed as Chairman of the Art Department and in 1945, he was named curator of the distinguished collection of Black African Art at the Hampton Institute. Burgeoning artist John Biggers, who went on to become an internationally acclaimed painter, sculptor, teacher and philosopher, was his student. As was Samella Lewis, artist, printmaker and educator, with whom Lowenfeld had a contentious, but respectful relationship. The Hampton Years examines the impact of World War II on Jewish refugees living in the United States and their role in shaping the lives and careers of African American students in the segregated south. This play was commissioned, developed, and produced by Theater J (www.theaterj.org).
Cast Break Down
3W/5M
Character Descriptions
Viktor (Vikle) Lowenfeld (mid 30s) – Austrian Jewish, an artist, scholar, and professor of art and art education. Also, a curator, African Art collector, husband and father of a young son named John.
Margaret (Gretel) Lowenfeld (early 30s) – Austrian Jewish, singer, teacher, gardener, Viktor’s wife, mother of a young son named John. This character will also play Beautiful Creole Woman.
John Biggers (early 20s) - African American, a muralist, student of Lowenfeld and White.
Samella Lewis (early 20s), African American, a sculptor and printmaker, student of Lowenfeld and Catlett.
Charles (Charlie) White (late 20s) – African American, painter, John’s mentor, Elizabeth’s husband, artist-in-residence at Hampton University from 1943 to 1945. This character will also play Gleaner One and Dying Soldier.
Elizabeth (Betty) Catlett (late 20s) – African American, Art Lecturer, sculptress, printmaker, Samella’s mentor, Charles’ wife, artist-in-residence at Hampton University from 1943 to 1945. This character will also play Gleaner Two and Negro Mother with Child.
President (Dr.) Malcolm Shaw Maclean (late 40s) – Caucasian, sixth president of Hampton Institute from 1940 to 1943.
President (Dr.) Ralph P. Bridgman (late 40s) – Caucasian, seventh president of Hampton Institute from 1944-1948.
Development History
The Hampton Years explores the relationship between art professor Viktor Lowenfeld and his students, John Biggers and Samella Lewis. Lowenfeld joined the Hampton Institute in Virginia in 1939 as assistant professor of Industrial Arts and studio art teacher. He was later appointed as Chairman of the Art Department and in 1945, he was named curator of the distinguished collection of Black African Art at the Hampton Institute. Burgeoning artist John Biggers, who went on to become an internationally acclaimed painter, sculptor, teacher and philosopher, was his student. As was Samella Lewis, artist, printmaker and educator, with whom Lowenfeld had a contentious, but respectful relationship. The Hampton Years examines the impact of World War II on Jewish refugees living in the United States and their role in shaping the lives and careers of African American students in the segregated south. This play was commissioned, developed, and produced by Theater J (www.theaterj.org).
Cast Break Down
3W/5M
Character Descriptions
Viktor (Vikle) Lowenfeld (mid 30s) – Austrian Jewish, an artist, scholar, and professor of art and art education. Also, a curator, African Art collector, husband and father of a young son named John.
Margaret (Gretel) Lowenfeld (early 30s) – Austrian Jewish, singer, teacher, gardener, Viktor’s wife, mother of a young son named John. This character will also play Beautiful Creole Woman.
John Biggers (early 20s) - African American, a muralist, student of Lowenfeld and White.
Samella Lewis (early 20s), African American, a sculptor and printmaker, student of Lowenfeld and Catlett.
Charles (Charlie) White (late 20s) – African American, painter, John’s mentor, Elizabeth’s husband, artist-in-residence at Hampton University from 1943 to 1945. This character will also play Gleaner One and Dying Soldier.
Elizabeth (Betty) Catlett (late 20s) – African American, Art Lecturer, sculptress, printmaker, Samella’s mentor, Charles’ wife, artist-in-residence at Hampton University from 1943 to 1945. This character will also play Gleaner Two and Negro Mother with Child.
President (Dr.) Malcolm Shaw Maclean (late 40s) – Caucasian, sixth president of Hampton Institute from 1940 to 1943.
President (Dr.) Ralph P. Bridgman (late 40s) – Caucasian, seventh president of Hampton Institute from 1944-1948.
Development History
- New Play Development Workshop and Reading at Theater J - January 2012
- Commissioned and developed by Theater J/Locally Grown Festival
- World Premier at Theater J (May 29th to June 30th, 2013)
