THE SHOW: Augusta Savage, affectionally known as Gussie to her family, is known for her work during the Harlem Renaissance as a sculptor, art teacher, and community art program director. Savage was also politically and socially active. The seventh of fourteen children, she faces the severe scorn of her father, a pastor and staunch fundamentalist who considered Savage’s toying with graven images to the influence of the devil. Eclectic and mysterious, Savage’s multiple husbands, a questionable relationship with a lunatic poet, and questions surrounding a child not acknowledged and battles to make her mark as a Black woman in arts schools and circles – made her an enigma.
Spurred by interest in her by the Community Relations Board of West Palm Beach, Florida, a city in which Savage lived with her family briefly, E. Claudette Freeman found herself once again drawn into Savage’s story. Initially introduced to work when she collaborated on a biographical script about Mary McLeod Bethune, Zora Neale Hurston and introducing Savage, Freeman found her to be familiar and reminiscent of many Black female creatives – misunderstood, scorned by love, rejected by far of their greatness and longing for their rightful place in the world.
Unveiling Gussie is written as a one-woman allowing Gussie to tell Augusta’s story in her words through newspaper accounts, penned letters, and her own editorial commentaries. Offscreen voices are infused to heighten moments and allow character wardrobe adjustments. Those offscreen, at director’s discretion may become physical characters. The actress must be able to distinguish when Augusta is talking to others.
For information on other plays by E. Claudette Freeman, click here
The Cast
Te'Shara Monique,
Augusta "Gussie" Savage
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Edd Perry, Joe Gould and Arts Patrons
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Nathalie Walker, Elton Fax and Reporters
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Rav'n Partee, Director
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THE SHOW: Mamie Albritton is trapped in the sting of her husband's death. Her quest to be freed from the memories leads her down a path of mental and emotional collapse. When she gives voice to her questionable memories and tragic stories, her grandson, Michael Albritton, seeks professional help from therapist, Bridgette Means.
Article after article, Justice Department and FBI research notes, archives of law enforcement reports – Mamie, decade after decade devoured information searching for ways to unravel details in her own unsolved case. Yet, somehow, the stories captured a place in Mamie’s soul and the ghosts became her reality. Still, she didn’t know why the stories affected her the way they did; and she couldn’t figure out how to stop digging through the pain while in pain. Neatly folded, carefully curated in an old trunk, are thousands of stories of bloodshed and families still struggling to cope - and Mamie assumes the grief of them all.
With the smallest triggers sending her mind into stories of burnings, lynchings, massacres, and more – Michael and Bridgette partner to unravel the stories, iron out Mamie's confusion and help her find her way back from a past that keeps changing. Where Blood Runs, Still pays homage to never forgetting, while offering a chilling account of history, love, and remembrance.
For information on other plays by E. Claudette Freeman, click here
Article after article, Justice Department and FBI research notes, archives of law enforcement reports – Mamie, decade after decade devoured information searching for ways to unravel details in her own unsolved case. Yet, somehow, the stories captured a place in Mamie’s soul and the ghosts became her reality. Still, she didn’t know why the stories affected her the way they did; and she couldn’t figure out how to stop digging through the pain while in pain. Neatly folded, carefully curated in an old trunk, are thousands of stories of bloodshed and families still struggling to cope - and Mamie assumes the grief of them all.
With the smallest triggers sending her mind into stories of burnings, lynchings, massacres, and more – Michael and Bridgette partner to unravel the stories, iron out Mamie's confusion and help her find her way back from a past that keeps changing. Where Blood Runs, Still pays homage to never forgetting, while offering a chilling account of history, love, and remembrance.
For information on other plays by E. Claudette Freeman, click here
The Cast
Adrienne Livingston; Mamie Albritton
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Jaden Jones; Michael Albritton,
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Karen D. Foster; Bridgette Means
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Rachel Hartley; Royce Albritton and extras
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Bobby Tramontina, Man in Graveyard and extras
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Eric Island; Roy Albritton Sr. and Jr.; and extras
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Michelle Guerrero; Director; Connie Albritton, Katy
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Thank You to Those Who Are Making The
2023 Festival Tour Possible
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