Truth: a biofictional choreopoem

A developmental workshop production of "Truth: A Bio-Fictional Choreopoem" will be held at MASARY Studios in Boston, MA, from September 25-28, 2024.

The new play, written by Gail A. Burton, combines spoken word, storytelling, movement, and music to tell the stories of 19th-century black female abolitionists. Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Harriet Hayden, and women of lesser-known history serve as prototypes for the characters of the play. Truth consists of fragments of story, primary source materials, carte de visites, biography, and U.S. history of slavery. Current scholarship in Africana studies, on the powerful and forceful role that Black abolitionists played in catalyzing an end to U.S. slavery, heavily influences the thought of the play.

Collaborating on the production are choreographer Jean Appolon, master Linklater coach Antonio OCampo, and Executive Producer Josie Bray. The work is influenced by historical research and Africana studies on the role of Black abolitionists in ending U.S. slavery.

The project was funded by grants and a successful crowdfunding campaign, emphasizing the importance of bringing suppressed Black narratives to light.

This production is free to the public. If you are willing or able to pay for a ticket or give an additional donation, this will support the continuation of the development of this piece's life.

*Note that Saturday's performance will start at 7PM to accommodate the reception after the performance, open to that night's audience.

Host or Publisher Truth Producers