'Out of the Vineyard'
"Out of the Vineyard" chronicles the decades-long quest for freedom by descendants of enslaved individuals in Prince George’s County, including the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys, and Bells. This deeply researched production is crafted from interviews with descendants of these families.
Photo by Sabir Elmouakil
Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 21, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 22, from 3 - 5 p.m. and 7:30 - 9:30 p.m
Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 3 – 5 p.m.
Location: Center for Performing Arts, Proscenium - In-Person
Purchase tickets below.
Theme Overview
"Out of the Vineyard (OOTV)" was written by esteemed playwright Psalmayene 24, who masterfully adapts the groundbreaking historical work "A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to Civil War" by historian William G. Thomas III for the stage.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Thomas, Out of the Vineyard highlights the families, names, and places, illuminating stories of quests for freedom and opportunity against systematic racism. By exploring how slavery has shaped our societies and encouraging audiences to think critically about the legacy of hiding historical details, Out of the Vineyard promotes a deeper understanding of the issues facing us today. The play inspires audiences to work toward a more just and equitable future.
Unraveling over seven decades, the enslaved families of Prince George’s County, Maryland, including the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys, Bells, and more, embarked on a relentless legal quest for freedom. These brave families confronted formidable slavery within the court system, leading their crusade to the highest echelons of justice: the Supreme Court.
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