Nine actors stand on a raised platform in a line. Six of them are dressed in ostentatious 18th-century clothing and wigs made of paper. The other three wear more casual clothing inspired by the 18th-century. Behind them are white arched frames, representing mansion windows and doors.
The company of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Jefferson’s Garden, directed by Nataki Garrett. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Jefferson’s Garden

A Sweeping Drama Set during the American Revolution

date January 19, 2018 — February 8, 2019
2 hours and 30 minutes including one intermission
Recommended for ages 15 or older

Playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker explores the contradictions between our founding fathers’ ideals and the realities of freedom in America. Christian, a Quaker pacifist, defies his family to fight in the American Revolution. Susannah, an enslaved woman, is tempted to fight for the British when they promise her liberty. On their travels, Christian and Susannah cross paths with Thomas Jefferson, George Mason and Sally Hemings. These encounters force them to confront the compromises America makes after the promise of equality. Wertenbaker takes us from Revolutionary battlefields to Paris to Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. Nataki Garrett (Woolly Mammoth’s “An Octoroon”) directs this American premiere. Part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival.


Artistic Team

Writer Timberlake Wertenbaker
Director Nataki Garrett
Scenic Design Milagros Ponce de León
Costume Design Ivania Stack
Lighting Design Laura Mroczkowski
Original Music & Sound Design John Gromada
Hair and Make-Up Design Anne Nesmith
Dramaturg Jennifer L. Nelson
Dialects and Vocal Director Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston
Production Stage Manager Brandon Prendergast
Assistant Stage Manager Julia Singer
Casting Patrick Pearson

Cast

Headshot for actor Christopher Bloch.

Christopher Bloch

Daniel/Mason/Perrault

Felicia Curry

Susannah

Headshot for Michael Darnell.

Michael Kevin Darnall

James

Headshot for Chris Dinolfo.

Christopher Dinolfo

Christian

Headshot for Kimberly Gilbert.

Kimberly Gilbert

Martha/Nelly Rose

Headshot of Thomas Keegan.

Thomas Keegan

Harry/Madison

Headshot for Michael Halling.

Michael Halling

Jefferson/Carl Christian

Headshot for Katheryn Tkel.

Kathryn Tkel

Sally/Betty

Headshot of Maggie Wilder.

Maggie Wilder

Louisa/Imogen/Patrick Henry

From the Gallery

"An ensemble-driven epic! Wertenbaker has woven a sizable tapestry, and it gains aura being framed at Ford’s. Fascination is partly due to Michael Halling’s subtle, intriguingly contradictory performance as Jefferson."
– The Washington Post
"Outstanding cast! Insightful and powerful! Packed with pearls of historical insight. Now is a perfect opportunity to catch a remarkable American premiere, part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival, in the perfect historical setting at the Ford’s Theatre."
– DC Theatre Scene
"Intriguing! Fascinating! Felicia Curry plays the role [of Susannah] with great passion and determination. It is her character who best articulates what constitutes freedom."
– Broadway World
"A sweeping study of America’s battle for independence. It’s an exciting, provocative play … a stirring show about differing definitions of freedom and the nature of America."
– The Guardian
"A complex portrait of Thomas Jefferson and the men he both inspires and enslaves with his words."
– DC Metro Theatre Arts

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