Jacqueline E. Lawton
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For play inquiries, please contact:
Michael Finkle
William Morris Endeavor
212.903.1144  
[email protected]
Picture

Freedom Hill

Synopsis:
An homage to Thorton Wilder’s Our Town, Freedom Hill is a metatheatrical play that takes place in what is present-day Princeville, North Carolina. Set from 1870 to 1885, Freedom Hill follows the everyday lives of newly freed black citizens as they fall in love, hope for a better future, build their community, and fight for justice and the right to vote. Freedom Hill  offers a rare glimpse into life of a small town during the Reconstruction Era and honors the people who fought against racism, poverty, and rising tides to be free.   

Characters:
Earnestine McKnight (Black female, 40s to 50s) – narrator, town manager, clergywoman, and other roles.
Abigail Johnson (Black female, 30s) – laundress and domestic worker
Bella Johnson (Black female, teens) – student, laundress and domestic worker, and Abigail’s daughter
Junie Clark (Black female, 30s) – nurse, Abigail’s sister
Lottie Jones (Black female, 30s) – dressmaker, Maria and Abigail’s neighbor.
Elijah (Eli) Jones (Black male, teens) – student, blacksmith, Lottie’s son.
William Mabson (Black male, 40s) – teacher, Methodist minister, and school principal
Orren James (Black male, 40s) – Barroom clerk, choir leader
Robert Taylor (Black male, 40s) – teacher, state senator, and editor of Edgecombe Watchman.
Samuel Lawrence (Black male, 40s) – grocer and a whiskey distiller

 Cast Breakdown
5 Women, 3 Men

 Casting note:
  • The actor playing William can also play Samuel.
  • The actor playing Robert can also play Orren.
  • The actress play Abigail will voice Woman in the Audience.
  • The actress play Lottie will voice Another Woman in the Audience.
 
Time:
1870 to 1885 
 
Setting:
Freedom Hill, later called Princeville, North Carolina

Development History
  • New Play Development Workshop and Reading at Univ. of California - Santa Barbara Launch Pad Amplify Reading Series - January 2023
  • New Play Development Workshop at PlayMakers Repertory and UNC's Department of Dramatic Art - October 2019


  • Home
  • Info
    • Artistic Statement
    • Bio
    • Awards and Fellowships
    • Affiliations
  • Writing
    • Upcoming Events
    • Previous Events
    • Plays
    • Productions
    • Commissions
    • Award Ceremonies
    • Publications
  • Dramaturgy
    • New Play Development
    • Production Dramaturgy
    • Dramaturgy and Script Consultation
    • Additional Resources
  • Advocacy
    • Appearances
    • Facilitation, Workshops, and Trainings
    • Gender Equity
    • Theatre Action >
      • After Orlando
      • Climate Change
      • Every 28 Hour Plays
    • Testimonials
  • Teaching
    • Qualifications
    • Curriculum Development, Theatre Arts Integration and Teaching Artist Training
    • Philosophy
    • Experience
  • Producing
    • ARDEO
    • On Stage with the Migration Series
    • Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign
  • Media
    • Gallery
    • Good Ink
    • Media Coverage
    • Interviews
    • Press Releases
    • Podcast & Video
  • Blog
  • Contact