It was the most shocking and bloody slave rebellion in America’s history.
At 8 p.m. Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, 2025, New Works Writers Series will revisit the Virginia uprising that sent shockwaves throughout the South. The legend of the man who was regarded by various peers and critics as alternatively fearless, insane, prophetic or lawless will be explored in Nat Turner’s Last Struggle: Finding His Way Home at the Maumee Indoor Theatre.
“There were few events that impacted the institution of slavery in such a powerful way as Nat Turner’s insurrection,” says Imelda Hunt, EdD, founder and artistic director of New Works Writers Series. “While it was a horrific and gruesome event that involved the deaths of children, what wasn’t acknowledged by the ruling white establishment is that slavery itself set the tone of violence and death among the oppressed class that staged the rebellion. So it remains a controversial discussion almost 200 years later.”
Featuring Crystal Harris-Darnell, Richard Brown and Jim Trumm as cast members, Nat Turner’s Last Struggle is written by P.A. Wray, inspired by the 1831 attempt at freedom Turner led. Joining New Works for this production will be Noah Hinton, Tisha Carroll and Ashanti Hinton.
Hunt says the two New Works performances are opportunities for audiences to learn American history in a manner that engages more than text books.
“It’s a great opportunity to be educated and entertained by our dramatic presentation of true, dramatic events,” Hunt says.
Admission to Nat Turner’s Last Struggle is $10 at the Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St. Tickets will be available at the door and also Henry’s Jewelry & Giftware. and Powell’s Beauty and Barber Supply.
For additional information, please contact New Works Writers Series at e-mail director@newworkswritersseries.org.