To commemorate Douglass’ bicentennial Solas Nua has commissioned a new work that celebrates his 1845 trip to Ireland. It was in Ireland that Douglass said, “I find myself treated not as a color, but as a man.”
It was also in Ireland where Douglass’ freedom papers were purchased by his Irish hosts, his books sold out at his speaking engagements, and he wrote, “I can truly say I have spent some of the happiest moments of my life since landing in this country, I seem to have undergone a transformation. I live a new life.”
This production will give DC audiences an untold story about one of Washington’s greatest historical figures.
- The production is site-specific; staged on a pier at The Yard’s Marina (Navy Yard) and will feature live hip-hop music and dance remixed in an innovative blend of Irish music and dance.
- The “project” is written by award winning writers Deirdre Kinahan(Wild Sky; Moment) and Psalmayene 24. In order to get a dual perspective on the subject, we commissioned an African-American and an Irish writer to create pieces that featured Douglass’ experience in Ireland.
- The production has received support from The DC Commission for Arts & Humanities, The Irish Embassy, Kenneth Morris and the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation.
Frederick Douglass in Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia 