AMERICANA SERIES

By Ellen Geer

As we journey through different eras, audiences experience our nation’s struggles and great victories through the eyes of those who lived it. These 50-minute concert style performances integrate poetry, dialogue, music and songs from each period and depict the setbacks and the on-going evolution of our American culture.

Searching for the American Dream

This story traces the American Working Class – from their arrival in this country as immigrants to their continuing struggle today for recognition and a share of the American Dream. Workers, profiteers and robber barons alike discover unions and strikes as they struggle for the 8-hour work day, decent wages and a better life. Some of the Historical Figures include: William Sylvis, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Samuel Gompers, Henry Ford, Mother Jones, Ella Mae Wiggins, César Chavez.

America at War

Through the words of America’s artists, writers, poets and great leaders, we examine the wars that have shaped our nation.  Some of the Historical Figures include: Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Anne Frank, Isadora Duncan, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Edna St.Vincent Millay, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Black History in America

From the slave ships of Africa, we follow our African American ancestors as they arrive in a young country pervaded by the same racism that we still confront in our society today. Historical figures including Frederick Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer, Malcolm X, Nat Turner, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks and Sojourner Truth share the hope, faith and wisdom that guided them through their struggle for justice and freedom.

The Woody Guthrie Story

This is the story of American folk artist Woody Guthrie – from his childhood, to his Dust Bowl and Union organizing days.  It was his friendship with Theatricum’s founder, actor Will Geer, which brought him from Oklahoma to New York and radio fame.  His songs and speeches are artfully woven throughout, including the song that many feel should be our national anthem: “This Land Is Your Land”.

The Strength of Women

The story of womens’ struggle for equality is told through the eyes of Joan of Arc, Abigail Adams, Sacagawea, Lucy Stone, Carrie Nation, Zora Neale Hurston, Bella Abzug, Alice Walker, Anne Frank, Dolores Huerta, Sally Ride and others  empowering today’s women to be the heroes of the next generation.

Viva La Raza!

The Latino search for equality within America is the fascinating story of Viva La Raza! Words of the Mayas and Aztecs, as well as Christopher Columbus, Father Castillo, Don Juan, César Chavez and Cecilia Muñoz are used to tell the story of the Latino’s powerful struggle for recognition as a people intrinsically linked to this land, and who helped build its great industries.

For Information, Pricing & Booking:

Contact:  Jackie Banks-Mahlum

Repertory Producer/ College Programs Manager

Technical Riders available upon request

(310) 455-2322, ext. 226 

Email: jackiebanks@theatricum.com