The Classical Theatre of Harlem

Cambria/Douglass  

The Cambria

by Donal O’Kelly
featuring Donal O’Kelly and Sorcha Fox

and

Frederick Douglass Now

written and performed by Roger Guenveur Smith

performed in rotating repertory in association with the Irish Arts Center

Performances begin September 16, 2009

Tuesday–Friday 8pm | Saturday 2pm & 8pm | Sunday 3pm & 7pm
Marathon Performances (both plays performed) Saturday and Sunday

Donaghy Theatre | Irish Arts Center| 553 West 51 Street, New York, NY

Single Performance: $50 general sale / $42 IAC and CTH members.
Marathon Performances: $75 general sale / $65 IAC and CTH members.

Click here to buy now or call 212. 868.4444

“Roger Guenveur Smith gets it all and gets it brilliantly"—The New York Times

One of the great iconic figures in American history, Frederick Douglass was a confidante of Lincoln, forerunner to Obama, abolitionist, suffragist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer. Forced to flee the U.S. after publishing his life story, he sought refuge in Ireland where he was greeted as a hero by the Irish people.

Cambria/Douglass is a special theatrical event featuring two plays that illuminate the Douglass story for our time.

“Seeing The Cambria and thinking about the life of Douglass, I’ve realized how a powerful mind can make anyone powerful—Brendy Flores, age 18, New Youth Connections.

Frederick Douglass Now,written and performed by Roger Guenveur Smith, (A Huey P. Newton Story, American Gangster, Do the Right Thing) sheds light on today’s America with Douglass’s19th century writing, bringing to life the speeches, letters and editorials of the pioneering abolitionist and feminist with original narratives. Smith’s nationally-acclaimed solo performance was recently presented at the Kennedy Center.

The Cambria is Donal O’Kelly’s groundbreaking play about Douglass’s historic voyage to Ireland. With false papers – and a bounty on his head from enraged slaveholders – he boarded
the Cunard Line paddle-steamer The Cambria out of Boston. O’Kelly and Fox thrill with the story of how Douglass’s identity was revealed aboard The Cambria - placing his life in mortal danger – and how he survived to become what Abraham Lincoln called “the most impressive man I ever met.”

"Run, do not walk to The Cambria … a superb evening at the theatre." —NY Theatre.com

This production was made possible in part through the generous support of Culture Ireland, a government agency dedicated to promoting Irish arts and culture worldwide.

 

Startlingly fresh . CTH reconfirms itself as one of the gutsiest and physically fearless groups around - David Cote, Time Out NY