Julius Lester’s Day of Tears
The Congregational Church in Killingworth, UCC invites you to.......
Julius Lester’s Day of Tears
Sunday, June 23rd at 3pm
The Day of Tears Touring Company will present a stage adaptation of Julius Lester’s powerful book, Day of Tears depicting the largest recorded auction of people held in slavery in American history which took place on March 2 & 3, 1852 in Savanah, Georgia. Julius Lester’s Day of Tears
Sunday, June 23rd at 3pm
Join us in the Sanctuary on June 23 at 3pm. Stay for a conversation with the actors followed by a light fare reception.
On March 2nd and 3rd 1852, in Savannah, Georgia, the largest slave auction in the United States took place. Four hundred plus slaves paraded as chattel to the auctioneer’s block. The slaves referred to these times as, “The Weeping Time,” for the skies opened, poured forth, and when the last slave was sold, miraculously, the sky returned to its former shade of blush.
This event is brought to life from excerpts of the multi-award winning Day of Tears by Julius Lester, told from the voices of those sold on the auction block, the slave master, the slave seller, the innocent children, husbands, wives, and lovers who clung to one last desperate hope of staying together.
The slaves were the property of Master Pierce Butler, the husband of the British actress Fanny Kemble, fierce abolitionist, and author of the journal, Residence on a Georgian Plantation. Pierce Butler lost most of his wealth at the card table, forcing him to sell his portion of slaves (four hundred plus men, women, and children), inherited from his father, Ransome Butler. Broeck Racetrack in Savannah was the only place large enough for this historical event. Slaves were herded into stalls supplanting the racehorses.
Day of Tears is a powerful, very personal and highly emotional dramatization that leaves an indelible impression on the audience.
Tickets will be sold in-advance or at the door. $15 general admission; $10 seniors and students. Call the church office 860-663-1789 and leave a message. All profits will benefit the Eddy Shelter in Middletown.
Adapted for the stage and directed by Ms. Laurie Maria Cabral.
The production is based on the book, Day of Tears by Julius Lester, who has granted permission for this adaptation.
Julius Lester’s Day of Tears
Date and Time
Sunday Jun 23, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
Location
The Congregational Church in Killingworth
273 Route 81
Killingworth, CT
860-663-1789
Fees/Admission
$15 general admission
$10 seniors and students
Contact Information
860-663-1789
Send Email
