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A Revolutionary Encounter in London: A Conversation Between Phillis Wheatley and Bejamin Franklin
September 17, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
A performance of the historically-based play written and directed by Debra Wiess
Featuring actors Cathryn Philippe and Josiah George
May 8, 1773 enslaved African poet Phillis Wheatley left Boston for London for the publication of her book of poetry Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, coming out later that summer. During her 6-week stay in the British capital she was feted and entertained, the toast of the town, meeting many notables, among them Benjamin Franklin. This historically-based drama depicts the little-known meeting of these two icons of American Colonial History late one summer afternoon. 2023 marks the 250th anniversary of their historic meeting, as well as the publication of her book of poems and her emancipation later in the year.
This live theatrical performance will take place at the Old South Presbyterian Church
Sunday September 17, 2023
29 Federal Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
FREE General Admission (Donations greatly appreciated)
Doors at 1:30pm
Presentation begins at 2:00pm
Debbie Wiess (author & director) is a Boston-based writer, who writes plays and poetry, in French as well as English. Her work in both languages has been presented throughout the US and abroad in traditional theatres, alternative spaces, on the radio, cable and internet. She is a published author, and several of her plays have won awards. In addition to writing, she directs and produces, projects and events. She particularly enjoys writing on subjects concerning the Arts and Literature, as well intriguing encounters. She is thrilled to be presenting her one-act play A REVOLUTIONARY ENCOUNTER IN LONDON about Phillis Wheatley and Benjamin Franklin’s meeting in London summer 1773.
