Performances are May 24th and 25th at 6:30 p.m. each night.

Rain date May 26th

Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive.

Join Harris, the cast and Poplar Forest’s archaeology and interpretation staff for a Q&A following the performance. Bring your friends and family, a picnic and a blanket or chairs, and experience a little-known but important part of Poplar Forest’s history brought to life. NOTE: The performance consists of three vignettes performed at three different locations on the property. We recommend bringing chairs, blankets, picnics, etc. that are easy to move. 

Tickets are $20/adult (18+), $10 for youth ages 6-17 and college students (with valid ID), $5 for children under 6. Tickets will be available online until 5pm the day of the show. Tickets will still be available at the door both nights.

*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason.

CAST And crew

TERESA HARRIS (Playwright and Director)

Teresa Harris is a poet, playwright, actor, director, singer, and social activist. She has written, produced, and directed several original stage plays including From the Valley to the Peak and Still Climbing, The Quincy Armstrong Show, In Remembrance of MLK: From Beyond Vietnam to the Dream, and The Day is Past and Gone: A Trilogy of Slave Life at Poplar Forest. She recently  produced her first docu-series, I AM FIFTH STREET, about the historic 5th Street district which once served as the center of Black culture and commerce in Lynchburg, VA. She has also written stories for the annual Candlelight Tours at Old City Cemetery. Teresa is passionate about narrating stories depicting the Black experience. She looks forward to adding film, television, and additional documentaries to her body of work. This is Teresa’s sixth year of storytelling at Poplar Forest.

JAMES STEWART (Burwell Colbert)

James Stewart, PhD., is a licensed clinical psychologist who is the co-founder, chief operating officer and clinical director for The UP (Unlimited Potential) Foundation, a recovery community organization and Alternative Peer Group program for youth and young adults. He has had leading roles in numerous stage productions including Dreamgirls, The Wiz, Showboat, Big River, Jesus Christ Superstar, Of Mice and Men, Clybourne Park and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.

JASMINE SMITH (Melinda)

Jasmine Smith is 10 years old and is a 4th grader. Jasmine enjoys gymnastics, writing, and drawing. She has been in numerous performances at her school. Jasmine was recently “Peaches” in Annie, Jr. with Little Town Players. Jasmine enjoyed attending Embark Theatre Camp. She is excited to be able to continue her acting career at Poplar Forest.

KARTER PETTY (Rebecca)

Karter is 9 years old and in the third grade. She loves dancing, playing with her siblings, and enjoying time with her family. This is Karter’s first theatrical performance.

KAMARIOUS PETTY (Edmund)

Kamarious is 9 years old and is in the third grade. He loves building things, playing video games, and enjoying time with family including twin sister, Karter. This is Kamarious’ first theatrical performance.

HAIDEN PETTY (George Welsh)

RUSSELL HILL (Nace Hubbard)

Russell Hill reprises his role as Nace Hubbard in Nace and Billy.

ELIJAH SMITH (Billy)

Elijah Smith, 19 years old, recently graduated from E.C.Glass High School. He enjoys acting, singing, dancing, and playing the Cello among other instruments. Elijah’s love for the arts ignited when he was cast in the role of Mr. Mayor in his fourth grade production of Seussical Jr. His more recent roles include Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma!, Billy in The Day is Past and Gone, Chief Tui in Moana Jr. and Simon Stimson in Our Town. Elijah has also spun on the E.C. Glass color guard!

Jonathan was last seen in Little Town Players production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner as Dr. John Prentice and in the Ensemble for Masterworx’s The Little Mermaid. He is an INFP who loves coffee, nature walks, D&D, and meaningful conversations. This is his second performance with Poplar Forest.