Black Confederates have long been considered a minor historical footnote, and even a debatable one at that. What isn’t open to debate is the fact that there were some 4 million Blacks living in the Confederacy at the start of the Civil War. Perhaps, living isn’t the best description. More like desperately surviving in ever confusing and perilous times.
Which oddly enough by the Spring of 1865, becomes the situation the Confederate government finds itself in. And the destiny of both is the heart of my drama Black Confederates. The play is directed by David Allen Schmidt, a veteran New York, DC actor and former Theatre instructor at Mount Vernon High School. Starring as Varina Howell Davis, First Lady of the Confederacy is Elizabeth Drake, a Southerner by way of Memphis and Chattanooga. Cast as President Jefferson Davis is Ellicott City actor, Larry Levinson. And playing multiple soldier roles is Richmond native, Jeffrey Charles Fleming.
The five brief years of the Confederacy continues to interest people around the world. Yet in truth, its story is largely military history. And so, my play Confederates performed during the 2016 Capital Fringe Festival dealt with the day after the Battle of Bull Run. That day in July 1861, most historians believe, was the best chance for Confederate military success. By March of 1865, there was no chance of military victory. Only hard choices between Southerners. Black and White, free or slave. And that is where Black Confederates, the second play in my Confederacy trilogy begins.
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James F. Bruns is a playwright living in Falls Church, VA
His other plays include: American Lit, Fatherland and Lancer & Lace.
The post Black Confederates at Fringe. The Civil War nearly lost, the Confederacy turns to African-American men for deliverance appeared first on DC Theatre Scene.