NEW
Harriet Tubman:
Take My Hand and Follow Me
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ArtReach's 'Harriet Tubman: Take My Hand and Follow Me' is a large cast one act musical for young performers, especially middle, high school and teens. It is also appropriate for colleges, professionals and theatres. The play presents the story of Harriet's life, her rise from slavery, her brave travels, rescues and her importance to American history of the time. Written by award-winning playwright Kathryn Schultz Miller, it is suitable for mainstage performances, family audiences and community events.
Harriet Tubman - Playscript for Young Performers
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment, Fort Worth TX - Executive Director ShaVonne Davis"I am bound for the promised land,
Bound for the promised land,
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land."The adventure begins in the Maryland swamps and woods where Harriet follows stars and rivers on her brave pursuit of freedom. Owls hoot, whippoorwills cry and all things of nature gather around our heroine as she offers her hand to the audience and says, "Take my hand and follow me."
"Oh, who will come and go with me?"
Public art mural on the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center, Cambridge, MD
"Audience and performers sing and celebrate Harriet's triumph."
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, Fort Worth TXShaVonne Davis, Executive Director, Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization (Houston) shared these wonderful pictures of ArtReach's HARRIET TUBMAN: TAKE MY HAND AND FOLLOW ME.
"We truly enjoyed the opportunity to produce this play! There was not a dry eye in the audience."
ShaVonne Davis, Executive Director, Maroon 9 Community"Today she is a symbol of American strength."
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, Fort Worth TX
And now we are part of her perilous journey.
The audience participates throughout the play, entering the dark night of the escape and singing the encouraging songs of the Underground Railroad. Everyone sings African American spirituals that are woven into the landscape of Harriet's extraordinary life.
"Wade
in the water, wade in the water, children..."
Maroon 9
Community Enrichment Organization, Fort Worth TX
Together the audience and the performers sing and celebrate Harriet's courageous triumph over slavery: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Bound for the Promised Land, Wade in the Water, Amazing Grace and more. The character of Preacher welcomes us into the church of Harriet's youth, inviting us to join her community and sing in harmony with the tale of America's Moses.
"There was not a dry eye in the audience."
Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization, Fort Worth TXThe play tells the story of Harriet's life as a hard-worked, ill-used small child who grows into a brave and noble woman. Unable to stand a life of bondage, Harriet leaves behind her family and walks one hundred miles alone. Along the way she meets friends of the Underground Railroad who feed her and give her rest, ensuring that she makes it to freedom in Philadelphia. Harriet meets abolitionists and members of the Underground Railroad. She learns that many Americans are opposed to slavery and support her efforts. Against all advice she goes back to the south to bring her friends and family North to liberation.
Harriet Tubman: Moses of the American Underground Railroad
Why is ArtReach's Harriet Tubman right for you and your school?
Perfect for Schools, Churches and Community Groups: Speeches and vocabulary are appropriate for young performers and family or school audiences.
A Flexible Cast of about 25 Students: Easily adapted for a smaller or larger cast. Add as many roles as you like.
Musical CD for Performers and Audience to Sing To: All the Pretty Horses; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Follow the Drinkin' Gourd; Bound for the Promised Land; 'Tis a Gift to be Simple; Go Tell It on the Mountain; Wade in the Water; Amazing Grace. Play the CD and sing or use the sheet music for a live piano/organ player. If you already have a choir you will be able to showcase their talents. You may add songs if you like. Also, you may eliminate the music altogether if you wish to present a non-musical play.
Every Performer has an Important Role: Storytellers are involved throughout. Preacher involves the audience through song and 'call and response' participation. Smaller roles have names and important speeches and action. The script offers suggestions to add scenes and characters.
About 45-55 minutes long: Long enough to be a substantial project and short enough to fit properly in school schedules.
Easy Costumes and Scenery: Easy costumes and minimal set. This play can easily be done on a very slim budget.
School Play Package, Teacher's Study Guide: Lots of directing tips and instructions are provided in the Teacher's Guide. The Guide includes Classroom Activities and Discussion as well as a comprehensive Glossary and history background.
You May Make Changes to the Script: The School Play Package gives you the rights to adapt, change, add songs and dialogue to make it perfect for your kids.
Take a Video: The School Play Package gives you the right to make a recording of your performance.
Joyous and Uplifting! History is presented with respect and celebration.
"You offer a great product that is affordable for our school."
JoAnna Pillsbury, Brewster Elementary, Rochester Hills MI
"I looked over Jordan and what did I see..."
Harriet saves her aged parents and provides them with a safe and comfortable home. But her extraordinarily courageous actions are not enough: She serves the Union as a scout, nurse, spy and guide during the Civil War. She lives to be a hundred years old, as she says, "almost as old as Moses himself!" And remains one of the most admired and inspiring legends of American history. Today she is a symbol of American strength and accomplishment; we look to her example and follow her path to a brighter future. Her last words were: "I go ahead to prepare a place for you."
"Though the river is still wide - keep going!"
"It is fitting that we stop from time to time during the performance to sing the songs of the Underground Railroad as we navigate our way through the landscape of American slavery. When we lift our voices with those of our brothers and sisters, we are letting them guide us. Harriet says "Take my hand and follow me." In this way, we put ourselves in her hands and let her tell us how she endured and triumphed."
Kathryn Schultz Miller, Playwright.
Classroom
Activities - Featured Film Performance at Orlando International Film Festival
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