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The Hampton Years
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. 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.
Cast Break Down
3W/3M
Character Descriptions
Viktor (Vikle) Lowenfeld (mid 30s) – Austrian Jew, 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.
John Biggers (early 20s) - African American, a muralist, student of Lowenfeld and White, originally from Gastonia, North Carolina.
Samella Sanders (now Lewis) (early 20s), African American, a sculptor and printmaker, student of Lowenfeld and Catlett, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Elizabeth (Betty) Catlett (late 20s) – African American, Art Lecturer, sculptress, printmaker, Samella’s mentor, artist-in-residence at Hampton Institute (now University) from 1943 to 1945, originally from Washington, D.C.
President (Dr.) Malcolm Shaw Maclean (late 40s) – White, president of Hampton Institute (now University), served in the Navy, originally from Denver, Colorado.
Development and Production 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. 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.
Cast Break Down
3W/3M
Character Descriptions
Viktor (Vikle) Lowenfeld (mid 30s) – Austrian Jew, 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.
John Biggers (early 20s) - African American, a muralist, student of Lowenfeld and White, originally from Gastonia, North Carolina.
Samella Sanders (now Lewis) (early 20s), African American, a sculptor and printmaker, student of Lowenfeld and Catlett, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Elizabeth (Betty) Catlett (late 20s) – African American, Art Lecturer, sculptress, printmaker, Samella’s mentor, artist-in-residence at Hampton Institute (now University) from 1943 to 1945, originally from Washington, D.C.
President (Dr.) Malcolm Shaw Maclean (late 40s) – White, president of Hampton Institute (now University), served in the Navy, originally from Denver, Colorado.
Development and Production History
- Virginia Stage Company, Norfolk, VA, directed by Chris Hanna (January 19 to February 7, 2016)
- Commissioned and developed by Theater J/Locally Grown Festival
- World Premiere at Theater J, Washington, D.C., directed by Shirley Serotsky (May 29th to June 30th, 2013)
