Presented by the Federal Hall Conservancy and National Park Service, new site-specific play The Democracy Project begins its run at New York City's Federal Hall National Memorial June 22. The free-to-the-public performances will continue through July 22.
The work features an impressive line-up of six writers: MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play), Tony and Pulitzer winner Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), Tony and Pulitzer winner Bruce Norris (Clybourne Park, Downstate), WGA Award winner Tanya Barfield (Mrs. America), Pulitzer finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detriot), and Obie winner Melissa James Gibson (House of Cards).
Set during New York City's first day serving as the capital of the revolutionary United States government, The Democracy Project looks at what hung in the balance, from a newly instituted presidency and arguments over the Constitution to debates about the slave trade and the first international treaty signed with the United States by Muscogee (Creek) Chief Alexander McGillivray.
The play also features original songs as a modern-day narrator takes audiences through the history of Federal Hall on Wall Street, the Founders' choices, and the consequences of their actions which continue to shape America today.
Tamilla Woodard (Weightless) and Tai Thompson (Dark Star from Harlem) direct the play, which stars Kate Hamill (Sense and Sensibility), Jake Hart (Jesus Hopped The A Train), Nathan Hinton (Where The Mountain Meets the Sea), Tom Nelis (Girl From the North Country), and Tatiana Williams (Confederates).
The Democracy Project features scenic and costume design by Deb O, lighting design by Lucrecia Briceno, sound design by Mark Van Hare, and music direction by Sean Cameron. Casting is by Calleri Jensen Davis. Adam Greenfield served as script consultant.
The Democracy Project is produced by Federal Hall Conservancy and Lynn Goldner in partnership with Federal Hall National Memorial. Major funding was received from the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the National Park Service.
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