b a c k s t o r y

by thomas gibbons

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yesterday’s stories. today’s topics. From Artistic Director PJ Powers a message \

Dear Friends, its people part — through protests In an interview with Gib- liberty and and struggle, on the streets bons (included in this issue Following closely on the A House With No Walls ignites justice, and and in the courts, through a of Backstory), he said: heels of Gore Vidal’s Week- a discussion that people are a union that civil war and civil disobedi- “I’m always happy when end, we are delighted to could be and ence and always at great someone tells me that after bring you another new play normally too timid to talk about should be risk — to narrow that gap seeing one of my plays, they — the Chicago premiere of perfected between the promise of went for coffee and argued A House With No Walls by in public. Or even in private. A over time. And yet words our ideals and the reality of for two hours. I feel like I’ve Thomas Gibbons. You might discussion I admit we’ve had too on a parchment would not their time.” given them their money’s already be familiar with be enough to deliver slaves worth.” Gibbons’ Permanent Collec- rarely in this theater. These words are deeply rel- from bondage or provide tion and Bee-luther-hatchee, evant to Gibbons’ play. His That is also our intent at men and women of every which were produced in I write this in mid-Septem- We first read this play characters — representing TimeLine, and we hope color and creed their full recent seasons at North- ber, just days after the first nearly a year ago and two generations 200 years that Gibbons, and our cast rights and obligations light Theatre in Skokie. A rehearsal for our produc- decided in early Janu- apart — aim to do their part and production team, have as citizens of the United House With No Walls joins tion. As I told the cast and ary to produce it. At the (often against opposing given you plenty of fodder States. What would be them to conclude his trilogy production team, one of the time (pre-Iowa Caucus) it points of view) to narrow for a prolonged discussion. needed were Americans of plays dealing with race in many reasons TimeLine was seemed unlikely that an the gap between the prom- in successive generations Best, America. drawn to A House With No African-American presi- ise of ideals and the reality who were willing to do their of their time. A House With No Walls is Walls is because it ignites a dential candidate would inspired by a recent event discussion that people are make a historic rise and in Philadelphia when the normally too timid to talk have a chance to become new Liberty Bell Center was about in public. Or even in our nation’s leader. (I real- Special Events and Resources to be built near the site of private. A discussion I admit ize that many of you are President George Washing- we’ve had too rarely in this reading this after Election ton’s house — a plot of land theater. Day so my apologies for not the conversation yet knowing how the story that included slave quarters. For a company devoted plays out.) A heated debate erupted to exploring history, we At TimeLine we look Line Board member Peter Post-Show Discussions in that community (and regret that we haven’t And on a day last March forward to the chance to H. Kuntz, admission to this On Thurdays, Nov. 6, 13 expanded nationally) about spent enough time tackling (coincidentally in Phila- engage our audience in con- event is free. Visit our Web and 20; Sundays, Nov. 23 how a museum celebrating aspects of history that can delphia), that presidential versations inspired by our site at timelinetheatre.com and 30 and Wednesday, American liberty and free- be easier to avoid than candidate gave an atten- productions. We hope you to learn more. Dec. 10, stay for free post- will join us for these special dom should acknowledge to address head on. Race tion-grabbing speech, Company Member show discussions moder- events during the run of A and, perhaps, honor the relations — good, bad and, reminding us of the work of Discussion ated by a TimeLine Com- slaves who lived there. House With No Walls: pany member and featuring at times, quite ugly — are our founders in that city of The heart of TimeLine is our members of the production Gibbons, a Philadelphian part of the social fabric of liberty. He noted that, “The Sunday Scholars Series Company members, who staff and cast. himself, crafted this play to America. Just in the last year answer to the slavery ques- After the show on Sun- shape the artistic vision and explore not only that debate on the highly visible stage tion was already embedded day, Nov. 16 is our Sunday choose the programming. Other Resources of a presidential election, within our Constitution — a but also the struggle of two Scholars Series, a one-hour On Sunday, Dec. 7, join Historical lobby displays, the best and worst of biases Constitution that had at its of the slaves who lived and panel discussion featuring them for an informal post- a study guide and much and behaviors have been on very core the ideal of equal worked on this plot of land experts talking about the show discussion about how more are available online at display in our 24-hour news citizenship under the law; a in 1796. themes and issues of the A House With No Walls came timelinetheatre.com. cycle and YouTube’d society. Constitution that promised play. Moderated by Time- to TimeLine’s stage. The Liberty Bell Center the controversy

The “Hell of Slavery” and the “Heaven of Liberty” Historic Park, denied they they argued, but that he were ignoring slavery: “We freed his slaves. hat began as an effort Rediscovery of the on the mall of the new are in vehement agreement Organized Protest and a to correct the his- President’s House Liberty Bell Center. Lawler’s that you must interpret W Government Mandate torical record erupted into a research indicated that the slavery at this site. But does or 10 years, beginning controversy about how the site included a smokehouse that require a structure or ichael Coard, an in 1790, Philadelphia story of slavery in America F converted for use as slave grid in the pavement? … The attorney in Philadel- was the nation’s capital M should be told. quarters. Ironically, the site question is, if you dug down phia, founded Avenging The while construction was of the slave quarters is just a and found a few bricks Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) In 2000, construction completed on Washing- few feet from the entrance [representing where slaves around June 2002. On began on the Liberty Bell ton, D.C. Robert Morris, to the center. lived], which we would ar- June 11, ATAC held its first Center in Philadelphia. Part a merchant known as the gue you’re not going to find, protest at the Liberty Bell of a $300 million redesign “Financier of the American Historians and would that add to the story site. Coard was determined of Independence Mall, the Revolution,” volunteered his Activists Converge of slavery?” that visitors would know building would become the house to President George espite the urging that in order to walk into new home of the Liberty Washington. It was here, In May 2002 it appeared of Lawler and other the “heaven of liberty” at Bell. The center is part of in what became known as D there might be an end to historians, the National Park the center, they first had to Independence National His- the President’s House, that the controversy. The park Service declined to mark the cross the “hell of slavery.” toric Park, which is adminis- Washington would create service agreed that it would footprint of the President’s While the memorial at the Liberty tered by the National Park the modern presidency. rework “the interpretive In July, the House Appro- House, believing it would Center will be the first national Service. memorial commemorating the lives ideas for the Liberty Bell priations Committee passed And it was to this house that create design confusion. of slaves, other groups have erected Center to include a fuller an amendment instructing The Liberty Bell was forged he would bring nine slaves. markers such as this one at Mount The fact that there were discussion of slavery.” the National Park Service to in 1751 to commemorate the Vernon. When erected, this was In 1951, the last remaining once slave quarters on the thought to be the first memorial of commemorate the exis- 50th anniversary of William Some historians and activ- walls of the President’s site caught the attention of its kind in the United States. tence of the first executive Penn’s Charter of Privileges, ists worried that this would House were torn down black citizens and activ- mansion and the slaves who which was Pennsylvania’s be no more than a small during the creation of ists. Gary Nash, a history conjunction of liberty and worked in it. The design of original constitution. This plaque barely noticed by Independence Mall. No one professor at the University slavery on the same site!” that commemoration would enduring symbol of Amer- visitors. They argued for a recognized the historical of California at Los Angeles continue to cause debate. ica’s freedom was adopted As public awareness of full archeological excavation significance of the walls, said in a radio interview by abolitionists as their sym- the slave quarters grew, and a proper memorial for The National Park Service and the exact location of that “Millions of visitors are bol as they worked to end many began to feel that the the nine slaves. unveiled its preliminary the President’s House faded going to go into the Liberty slavery. Originally referred National Park Service was design at a contentious from memory. Bell [Center] not knowing As the debate continued to as the “State House” bell, deliberately suppressing public meeting in January they are walking over the in the Philadelphia papers, the abolitionists first began Independent historian Ed- the existence of slavery on 2003. Frustrating many, the site of Washington’s execu- some claimed that the calling it the Liberty Bell in ward Lawler, Jr. rediscovered the site in order to pres- park service did not mark tive mansion, indeed walk- center was being hijacked the mid 1830s. In 2002, the the location of the Pres- ent a positive picture of the quarters because it said ing over the slave quarters by “multiculturalists” and Liberty Bell would again be ident’s House in January Washington and American there was no conclusive he built at the rear of the was “another instance of juxtaposed against slavery. 2002, locating it squarely history. The park service historical evidence that the house. ... We have here a grievance politics attempt- also resisted a request for smokehouse existed or was ing to trump beneficent and an archeological excavation indeed used to house slaves. innocent designs.” of the site. “We have here a conjunction of liberty ATAC and other groups The important fact is not Phil Sheridan, a spokesman continued their protests that Washington had slaves, and slavery on the same site!” for Independence National as a way to focus attention In February 2007, a design The exposure of the founda- House and the outline of After five years, historians by Kelly/Maiello Architects tions inspired a surprising the slave quarters. and activists would get what & Planners was selected. amount of public interest. they had fought for: a pres- A Closing Ceremony Its vision featured a house Editorials in the Philadelphia ervation of the footprint of with no walls: The perimeter papers suggested that the n July 31, 2007, the dig the President’s House and a of the President’s House best commemoration of Oended and the founda- detailed portrayal of slavery was marked with brick and the site would be to leave tions were temporarily cov- juxtaposed with a celebra- free-standing doors and the physical foundations ered with earth to protect tion of liberty. windows rose into the air, in view. The public interest them from the elements. Fundraising continues for suggesting the full outline was strong enough that the ATAC members honored the memorial, which is ex- of the house. The new Kelly/Maiello design was the nine slaves by pouring pected to open in 2009 design, including the cost altered to include a glass libations on the site, an or 2010. When completed, of archeological research, structure through which African tradition that is both it will be the first national would require a budget of visitors can see the actual a prayer and used to mark A conceptual sketch showing how the slave quarters might be site commemorating the $8.8 million. While work bricks of the President’s an important event. commemorated. lives of slaves. could begin with the city on the controversy. Finally, $1.5 million of city funds, but and federal funds, more in late October 2004, the there was still a significant fund-raising would be The Basis of Black Conservatism superintendent of Inde- shortfall. September 2005 required. pendence National Historic brought the announcement From March 2007 through Park agreed that the spot in of a federal grant of about the politics July 2007, archeolo- front of the center should $3.5 million to fund the gists carefully uncovered be marked as the site where President’s House project. hat is a black Steele contends that a black — even if it was only the the foundation of the some of Washington’s slaves Wconservative? Republican still can be a power to ‘extract’ reforms In January 2006, the Na- President’s House. Among strong supporter of affirma- (with their illusion of deliv- had lived. The converted The liberal/conservative tional Park Service agreed their discoveries were the tive action. While politically erance) from the larger so- smokehouse would be of- spectrum skews a little dif- to carry out an archeological remains of a tunnel used by he is conservative, his sup- ciety — that it was allowed ficially recognized as “slave ferently for black Ameri- excavation prior to the con- servants and slaves to move port of affirmative action not only to explain black quarters.” cans than for Americans in struction of the memorial, easily in and out of the main makes him liberal under his fate but to explain it totally,” general, according to Shelby Funding and Design determining that there was house. racial identity. Steele writes. of the Project a “low to moderate poten- Steele, a prominent black tial of recovering artifacts conservative and a research What, then, is the shibbo- Martin Kilson, a research ow that an agreement A house with no walls: A model of the and information relating to fellow at the Hoover Institu- leth for conservative versus professor of political sci- had been reached, the winning Kelly/Maiello design for the N the period of presidential President’s House memorial. tion, a think tank at Stanford liberal within the black com- ence at Harvard Univer- question of funding came occupancy.” University in California. munity? sity in Cambridge, Mass., to the fore: The original writes in Anatomy of Black A black “Republican or Black conservatives dissent appropriation for the center A new oversight committee Conservatism (1999) that free-market libertarian from black group author- included no funds for this held a call for proposals in black conservatives hold or religious fundamental- ity because they reject the new commemoration. which each design for the that advances in the fed- ist, pro-lifer, trickle-down idea that victimization is site was required to clearly eral courts and civil-rights The estimated cost for the economist, or neocon” a complete explanation of indicate the boundaries of legislation since the 1960s design that had been re- is not necessarily a black black fate. the President’s House and have successfully created a jected in January 2003 was conservative, he writes in the footprint of the slave “Victimization became so color-blind America, “mak- $4.5 million. Philadelphia The Loneliness of the Black quarters. rich a vein of black power ing it counterproductive for Mayor John Street pledged Conservative (1999). Black conservatives argue the black community has been so is to de-emphasize racial the comments, Holmes is and early ’90s, particularly identity and loyalty in called an Uncle Tom and around the time of Clarence busy trying to win concessions from their perceived oppressors favor of an American is subjected to comments Thomas’ confirmation hear- that they have failed to actually improve their own community. identity. about her intellect and sexu- ings after his nomination to ality that are not fit for print. the U.S. Supreme Court. The black conservative be- blacks to persist in viewing “new Negro.” Washington black community is more lief that the historic legacy Steele argues that this Today, the presidential themselves as victims of was a former slave who important than continuing a of racism is not wholly to ostracism is an attempt by candidacy of Barack Obama racism and so in need of became a prominent leader stance of victimization and blame for the white/black mainstream black leader- may have the potential to unique public policies.” in the early 1900s, focusing winning concessions from achievement gap places ship to protect power cut across the liberal/con- on African-Americans and the majority. them at odds with the gained from the victimiza- servative divide in the black Black conservatives claim cooperating with sympa- majority of the black com- tion stance. As a result, he community. While Obama the failure to recognize In addition to a belief in a thetic whites. Toler argues munity. This opposition can sees black conservatives would not be called a con- the end of America’s racist color-blind America, Toler that black conservatives exact a punishing personal as noble dissenters against servative, his emphasis on legacy has hampered the lays out in Black Conserva- see “African-Americans as a price. the established power transcending the divisive ra- ability to create strategies of tives four other points of somehow ‘unfinished’ prod- structures. Black liberals, on cial politics of the past and uplift. In other words, they black conservative thought: “A public ‘black conserva- uct of slavery, still needing the other hand, appear to his belief in the meritocracy argue the black community tive’ will surely meet a to prove ourselves worthy of • African-American de- see these conservatives as of America does overlap the has been so busy trying to stunning amount of animus, the rights of other American mands for equal opportu- turncoats who have traded conservative call to move win concessions from their demonization, misunder- citizens.” nity during civil rights are their responsibility to their beyond victimization. perceived oppressors that standing, and flat-out, now perversely demand- community for power in the they have failed to actually Steele, also writing in Black undifferentiated contempt,” Does Obama’s campaign ing equal outcomes. Our white establishment. improve their own com- Conservatives, supports this Steele writes in The Loneli- to become the president of free capitalist society does munity. assertion: “Though [the ness of a Black Conservative. As Toler writes in Black the United States undercut not ensure equal out- Emancipation Proclamation] Conservatives, “The principal the argument that institu- Deborah Toler, a senior comes. Black conservatives languish delivered greater freedom, it complaint of most African tionalized racism presents research analyst at the outside the protection of did not deliver the skills and • Issues of race relations Americans against Black the greatest obstacle to Institute for Food and the group to a point where attitudes that are required and Black poverty cannot conservatives … is that they black achievement? As his Development Policy in “even politically correct to thrive in freedom. … be fixed solely through provide cover for policies historic candidacy alters Oakland, Calif., explains the whites (who normally re- These values … were muted government policy. Social that do grievous harm to the discussion of race in liberal/conservative divide press criticism of blacks) can and destabilized by the programs damage Black Black people.” America, perhaps black differently. show contempt for them,” negative conditioning of families by undercutting conservatives will have the he continues. While black conservative She writes in Black Con- [our] oppression. I believe independence. opportunity to reconnect thought has been a part of servatives (1993) that that since the mid-sixties One only need look at the with the black community • Affirmative action lowers American culture since the black liberals believe that our weakness in this area public comments on an in- that — depending on your Black self-esteem because days of Booker T. Washing- primary focus should be put has been a far greater detri- nocuous YouTube interview point of view — they have whites will always assume ton, black conservatives on a “new America” — i.e., ment to our advancement of Amy Holmes, a black either abandoned or been that high-achieving Blacks came to widespread public removing racial barriers to than any remaining racial conservative pundit, to see ostracized from. were rewarded for their attention during the 1980s advancement. discrimination.” examples of this vitriol. In skin color rather than their She contends that black Steele and other black skill. conservatives, in the tradi- conservatives hold that Black liberals, on the other hand, appear to see these conserva- • African Americans are tion of Booker T. Washing- strengthening these skills best served by a focus on tives as turncoats who have traded their responsibility to their ton, focus on creating a and attitudes within the self-help. The first step community for power in the white establishment. Oney Judge: The Slave Who Defied a President the history

n May or June of 1796, told Oney she would be be- While there, she was spot- date. Washington, however, hired a wagon to take her IOney Judge (also known queathed to Elizabeth. One ted by Elizabeth Langdon, a berated Whipple for negoti- to Greenland, N.H., where as Ona Judge) ran away historian speculates that friend of the Washingtons. ating with a slave and failing she hid with the Warners, a from her master’s house Martha may have believed Word reached Washington to recover Oney. family of free blacks. in Philadelphia. In evading Oney would be delighted about the location of the Oney continued her life in Washington died December capture, Oney became one at the news. Oney, though, runaway slave. He commu- Portsmouth. She met and 14, 1799. In an 1845 inter- of the thousands of slaves knew that her hopes of nicated with Oliver Wolcott, married John Staines, a view, Oney said “they never who risked their lives to win being freed at her mistress’ secretary of the treasury, sailor. In 1798, Oney gave troubled me anymore after freedom. She also became death had been dashed. who in turn sent Joseph birth to a daughter. he was gone.” the first slave to escape “I knew that if I went back Whipple, his Portsmouth from the home of George to Virginia,” Oney said in collector, to recover Oney. In July 1799, Martha’s But because of the Fugitive Washington, president of a later interview, “I never These actions were illegal: nephew Burwell Bassett, Slave Act, Oney lived the the newly founded republic. This photograph of a man named should get my liberty.” Washington was using the Jr. was visiting Portsmouth. rest of her life as a fugitive. Tom is the only known portrait of a federal government to He was entertained by the Martha’s heirs had legal Oney was born around In spring 1796, the house- former Washington slave. recover private property. Langdons, the same family claim to her. As noted in 1773 to a seamstress hold began packing for a He also violated the 1793 that had recognized Oney an 1846 article, Oney had named Betty and a white return to Mount Vernon. She was brought into the Fugitive Slave Act, which two years earlier. Over din- been given “verbally, if not indentured servant named Oney packed her things, manor house and became he had signed: He failed to ner Bassett revealed that he legally, by Mrs. Washington, Andrew Judge. Oney was a too, but this went unnoticed an expert at needlework. appear before a magistrate was there to recover Oney to Eliza Custis, her grand- “dower slave.” She belonged amid all the preparations. A “perfect Mistress of her to prove ownership before and should she resist, he daughter.” to Martha Washington’s She related in an 1845 inter- needle” is how Washington attempting to recover a had “orders to bring her and first husband,D aniel Parke view: “I had friends among Oney had three children once described her. Oney fugitive slave. her infant child by force.” Custis. After his death, Mar- the colored people of with Staines; all died before eventually became Martha’s tha received lifetime use Philadelphia, had my things Through Whipple, Oney Sen. John Langdon was ap- her. Outliving her children attendant, responsible for of one-third of the estate’s carried there before hand, attempted to bargain with palled. He relayed Bassett’s by 15 years, Oney became the care of her clothes and assets, including one-third and left while [the Washing- Washington. She promised intentions to Oney via the destitute in her old age. hair. of the slaves Custis had tons] were eating dinner.” return if she was guaran- family cook. Oney quickly She was supported by the owned. Martha did not She was chosen to accom- teed her freedom at a later packed a few items and residents of Greenland until Oney gained passage on a technically own the slaves: pany the family when the her death on February 25, ship piloted by Capt. John She and George Washing- Washingtons relocated to 1848. Bowles and sailed to Ports- ton held them in trust, and New York City from Mount Edward Savage’s portrait of George Washington and his family includes an mouth, N.H. It is unclear unidentified slave. She once was asked if after her death, ownership Vernon; she also came with if Bowles knew Martha she regretted leaving the would pass to her son Jacky. them to Philadelphia. She Washington’s slave was a Washingtons, as it could Jacky died before Martha, was selected for her skills passenger. Oney, however, be argued that her life was and so legal ownership of and her appearance. A tried to protect Bowles from more difficult than it would the slaves would pass to light-skinned young woman, harm. “I never told his name have been had she remained her grandchildren after her she possessed traits that en- till after he died, a few years a slave in the finest house in death. abled her to accompany the since,” she said, “lest they Philadelphia. First Lady on official visits. When she was about 10, should punish him for bring- Oney replied “No, I am Oney may have been desig- In 1796, Martha’s eldest ing me away.” free, and have, I trust, been nated a playmate for one of granddaughter, Elizabeth Oney’s quest for freedom made a child of God by the Martha’s granddaughters. Custis, married. Martha did not end in Portsmouth. means.” Thomas Gibbons the interview

Recently, TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers (PJP) cago — Bee-luther-hatchee, characters, while impor- (PJP) I’m curious if your had the opportunity to interview A House With No Walls Permanent Collection and tant, are secondary. As for thoughts about this play playwright Thomas Gibbons (TG). now A House With No Walls people’s responses — some have changed in light of the — deal with race in this coun- are intrigued, some angered, fact that we have seen an (PJP) A House With No Walls is to color in the journey try and the African-Ameri- some do a double-take African-American running was inspired by events in of my characters as vividly can experience, in particular. when they meet me. for president. Or, perhaps your hometown of Phila- and imaginatively as I can, I imagine that I’m not the the better question is delphia [described earlier in without straying outside (PJP) One of the many first person to ask you this, whether or not the char- this Backstory]. I’m curious the lines of historical fact. reasons TimeLine was but I’m curious why you, a acters of Cadence or Salif — at what point did you start attracted to this play is (PJP) One of the things Caucasian, have written so would have new things to to think that you wanted because it inspires adult that I love most about this extensively on this and how say in light of recent events? to write a play about the discussion about things that play — and something that people have responded to controversy? we’re normally too afraid to (TG) In the play, an older makes it ideal for TimeLine (TG) The National New your focus on this topic? talk about. My hunch is that African-American activist (TG) I knew as soon as the — is how you transcend Play Network — of which (TG) This is usually the first you’re someone who loves a who identifies racism as the controversy became public. time and explore both the InterAct Theatre, where I’m question I’m asked. Several hearty debate, and you use main impediment to black It seemed to me to be the contemporary argument a playwright in residence, is years ago I wrote a docu- your platform of playwriting progress is challenged by logical extension, even the over the Liberty Bell Center a member — has a program mentary play about the to prompt more of it? a younger one for whom culmination, of themes and the life of Oney Judge called the Continued Life MOVE bombing in Philadel- racism is just one of several I’ve been writing about for in 1796. Did you set out to of New Plays Fund. Three (TG) I do enjoy sparking a phia — the police dropped a obstacles, some self-created. years — the weight of the write both stories or did one or more member theaters debate, particularly when bomb on the house of a rad- That generational divide past on the present; how spring from the other? (and sometimes theaters I can sit quietly in a corner ical African-American group, also seems to be in play we acknowledge, or fail to outside the network) com- and watch. The great (TG) I knew that both starting a fire that killed around Barack Obama’s acknowledge, the central mit to producing a new play, national conversation about strands were integral to the 11 of the group’s members candidacy. Salif and role of race in our history; before the first production race, which we’re frequently play. One thing that struck and destroyed an entire Cadence are intensely ver- the stories we tell ourselves and the first reviews.I n told is necessary if we’re me early on was the fact city block. During rehears- bal characters; they would as a society. And it was other words, you can’t back to “move forward,” some- that to enter the Liberty als, which were frequently certainly have new things to happening under my nose: out if the reviews are bad, how never quite happens. I Bell pavilion, you walk on tense and confrontational, say about this election, but I can see the Liberty Bell and you can’t jump in if think it’s because people the spot where the Wash- it became clear that the I’m not sure they would say pavilion from the window of they’re good. These are not sense that such an “offi- ingtons’ slaves were housed. African-American and white anything different. my office. co-productions: Each pro- cial” context would invite Having the present and the actors had startlingly diver- duction has its own director, not honesty but pretense, (PJP) What’s next for you? (PJP) This isn’t the first time past on stage simultane- gent perspectives about the designers and cast. A House not truth but a series of you’ve written a play based ously is a technique I’ve events and people depicted (TG) I’m working on two With No Walls is the second approved poses. A discus- on real-life events. Do you used in other plays, but here in the play. That chasm projects at the moment: an of my plays to go through sion in a theater is easier: ever feel inhibited by a it seemed to go beyond between African-American adaptation of Anton Chek- this process, and one of the We’re not talking about need to remain true to the metaphor into literal truth. and white interpretations hov’s great and neglected great advantages is that it ourselves, we’re talking original story? This eight-foot-square patch of our shared experience book Sakhalin Island, about allows the playwright to about the people on stage, of earth holds both our his- has been my subject in this his journey to the penal (TG) All of my plays are continue working on the our stand-ins. I’m always tory and our present. trilogy of plays. In the first colony off the coast of drawn from either histori- script, discovering new happy when someone tells two, the conflict is between Siberia, and Silverhill, a play cal or contemporary events (PJP) The play had a “rolling things with each production me that after seeing one an African-American and a drawing on the history of — or, like A House With No world premiere” at four the- and incorporating them. of my plays, they went for white character. In House, the Oneida Community [in Walls, both. But they’re not aters. Can you explain that coffee and argued for two (PJP) All three of your plays the central characters are New York], a 19th Century history, and they are not and what that experience hours. I feel I’ve given them that have been seen in Chi- African-American; the white communal religious society. journalism. My ambition was like for you? their money’s worth. Celebrating Making History backstage BACKSTORY: THE CREDITS

Event Recap: The History Makers Celebration Help us make history. Dramaturgy & Historical Research by Aaron Carter ore than 25 TimeLine Donate today! artists and members Written by Aaron Carter, M onations are vital to the success of TimeLine Theatre, PJ Powers & Lindsey Becker of the History Makers Dand we understand that every gift we receive is an gathered in a private room investment in the success of our organization. If you are Edited by Karen A. Callaway at The Tasting Room at inspired by the engaging work on our stage, help us make & Lara Goetsch Randolph Wine Cellars on history with a gift in support of TimeLine Theatre. Your do- Photography and Graphic Tuesday, October 7, to enjoy nation will go directly to support the artistic programming Design by Lara Goetsch our annual History Makers at TimeLine Theatre, including the four productions of our event. Guests were treated A House With No Walls Cover all-premiere 2008-09 season. Photo by Ryan Robinson to premium wines, gourmet appetizers and an enlighten- Now is the perfect time to make your year-end donation Backstory is published four ing conversation featuring and get tax-deductibility for 2008. Here are three easy times each season. the Company Members of ways to make a gift now: Pictured on front cover (from TimeLine Theatre. Clockwise from above (from left): Make your donation by phone: left): Actor Amber Starr Board member Peter Kuntz with Call Lindsey Becker at (773) 281-8463 x26 The Company shared stories Company members PJ Powers, Janet Friendly; actor A.C. Smith; from behind-the-scenes at Ulrich Brooks and David Parkes; Make your donation online: director Louis Contey with TimeLine, talking about the Board member Marti DeGraaf and scenic designer Collette Powers; Board members Gloria Visit us at timelinetheatre.com/donate early days of the company, Friedman and Cindy Giacchetti; Pollard; dramaturg Aaron the season planning process History Maker Laurence Saviers Mail your donation to us: timeLine Theatre Company Carter; and actor Steve and the unique environment with Company member Juliet Hart; ATTN: Development Manager O’Connell. History Maker Barbara French with 615 W. Wellington Avenue that makes TimeLine an en- Parkes; and Powers with History Pictured on back cover Chicago, IL 60657 joyable and inspiring place Makers Susan and Jim Colletti. (from left): Actor Leslie Ann to make theater. Remember, all donations made to TimeLine are tax-deduct- Sheppard; costume designer The History Makers Society ible to the full extent allowed by law. We appreciate your Alex Wren Meadows; actor is the major giving society support — thank you! Eric Sherman Christ; early set model by scenic designer at TimeLine Theatre. Donors Collette Pollard; lighting giving $1,000 or more an- designer Diane D. Fairchild; nually receive membership Upcoming Donor Events actor Amber Starr Friendly; in the society and enjoy Dessert on Stage and director Louis Contey. expanded donor benefits. December 3, 2008, following the 7:30pm performance To join the History Mak- Invitations for this event are extended exclusively to donors ers Society, or for more giving $250 or more. Our Mission: TimeLine Theatre presents information on making a Donors giving $250 or more are invited to join the cast of stories inspired by history donation to TimeLine A House with No Walls onstage after the 7:30pm perfor- that connect with today’s Theatre, please contact mance on December 3, 2008 for champagne and some social and political issues. Lindsey Becker at (773) 281- sweet treats. FlexPass subscribers are encouraged to 8463 x26 or email lindsey@ reserve their tickets for this performance. To purchase or Our collaborative artistic team produces provocative timelinetheatre.com. reserve your tickets call the Box Office at (773) 281-8463 theatre that engages, x24. This event is expected to sell out, so please make your educates, entertains and reservation today. enlightens. A House With No Walls the play

November 1 - December 21, 2008 October 20 0 8 previews 10/29 - 10/31 Su M T W Th F by THOMAS GIBBONS A.C. Smith*: Salif Camara 26 27 28 29 3 0 31 Steve O’Connell: Allen Rosen, directed by LOUIS CONTEY November 20 0 8 Tobias Humphreys Su M T W Th F Sa Philadelphia wants to build Mark Richard: its new American Museum Park Ranger, Steven Gardner, 1 of Liberty on the grounds George Washington 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 of George Washington’s Eric Sherman Christ: 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 home and slave quarters. Austin Judge, Jacob Easton 1 6 17 18 19 20 21 2 2 Soon a conservative * Member of Actors’ Equity academic star and a Association, the union of 23 2 4 25 26 27 28 29 liberal political activist are professional actors and stage 3 0 confronting each other managers. with polarizing questions The Production Team December 20 0 8 of African-American legacy Collette Pollard: Su M T W Th F Sa and identity. Elegantly Scenic Designer 1 2 3 4 5 6 juxtaposed with this Alex Wren Meadows: 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 conflict is the true story Costume Designer of one of Washington’s 14 15 1 6 17 18 19 20 Diane D. Fairchild, U.S.A.: slaves as she contemplates Lighting Designer 21 escape. The result is a Andrew Hansen: Original thought-provoking drama Music & Sound Designer Regular Performance that asks vital questions Mike Tutaj: Preview Performance about race in America, Projections Designer Opening Night Sold Out both where we’ve been Ann Meilahn: Post-Show Discussion with cast and where we go next. Properties Designer & production crew Free Sunday Scholars a one-hour Running Time Aaron Carter: Dramaturg post-show panel discussion with Approximately 2 hours Jo Ann Flores-Deter: experts on the themes and issues and 10 minutes, including Stage Manager of the play Free one intermission. Company Member Discussion Kristopher McDowell: a conversation with TimeLine’s The Cast Production Manager Company members Free (in order of speaking) Those designers and scenic Show times Leslie Ann Sheppard: artists identified by U.S.A. previews 8 pm Oney Judge are members of United Scenic Artists, IATSE Local 829, AFL-CIO. OPENING NIGHT 7 PM Amber Starr Friendly: Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 pm

Cadence Lane fridays 8 pm (also 4 PM on 11/28) saturdays 4 pm & 8 pm sundays 2 pm