Experience the Museum's newest first-person theatrical performance, "Meet James Forten," exploring Forten’s life as a free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War privateer, and stalwart abolitionist. Following the live performance, join actor Nathan Alford-Tate and Michael Idriss, the Museum’s African American Interpretive Fellow, for a talkback discussion about how and why this new theatrical piece was created and why Forten’s story continues to resonate with audiences today. Kalela Williams, founder of Black History Maven and a member of the Museum’s Diversify Living History Advisory Committee, will moderate this discussion.
The Museum’s Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation Dr. Tyler Putman will provide opening remarks about "Brave Men as Ever Fought," a new painting by nationally renowned historical artist Don Troiani that shows a significant moment in Forten’s life. The painting, which is featured in the special exhibition Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War, on view now, was commissioned with funding from the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail of the National Park Service.
Onsite tickets to this event include access to our Liberty special exhibition, a cash bar, and activities at a discovery cart in the Museum’s rotunda from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. for onsite and online audiences with the discussion to follow. This is a hybrid event with onsite and online tickets available. Onsite tickets include an option to access the online Zoom link and participate from home. If you are feeling unwell, please use the Zoom link to view the program online.
