Play, Drama
JOSIAH
JOSIAH is a Canadian play based on the life of Josiah Henson. It is the
powerful and inspiring story of a man who spent forty years in slavery
before escaping to Canada with his entire family in the days before the
Underground Railroad. His life story made him world famous as the "real"
Uncle Tom. This one-person show engages audiences with a mix of drama,
dance and movement. It reveals the first chapter of Josiah Henson's life
from slavery to freedom before escaping to Canada and helping to found the
Dawn Settlement which became a terminus of the Underground Railroad.The
story is told through realistic yet poetic dialogue. This show harkens
back to the bare bones of storytelling through theatre. A single actor
inhabits a 12' X 12' square of light using a cap, a handkerchief, a
bucket, and loads of imagination to share an incredible story. Josiah
Henson defied adversity. Morally brave and resilient, he is a role model.
We believe in the need for stories that demonstrate the power of the human
spirit in the face of adversity particularly in these racially charged
times. We believe that by being true to one's convictions and that by
daring to dream, one can make a difference in this world. Based on the
autobiography of Josiah Henson, the words are, for the most part, his. The
message is his. The messenger is a two act, two hour, one-person,
thoroughly engaging dramatization with tap dancing, rap, gospel songs and
a whole lot of joy and pain celebrating the journey from slavery to
freedom and on to triumph. We are grateful to be able to offer Josiah at
the Queerly Festival on June 19th , in honour of Juneteenth.Streaming
option available.
until June 19, 2022
Kraine Theater
