The Ford’s Theatre campus will be closed on May 21 and June 3, 2012.
The campus includes the museum, theatre, Petersen House and Center for Education and Leadership.
Necessary Sacrifices
Production extended through February 18!
"Idea-packed drama!" -The Washington Post
“Five stars! A breath-taking step back in history.” -Maryland Theatre Guide
Read more reviews.
“Brilliantly written and acted.” –P.A. Sowers
Read more patron comments.
Necessary Sacrifices
By Richard Hellesen
Directed by Jennifer L. Nelson
January 25-February 18, 2012
In his fourth commission for Ford’s Theatre, playwright Richard Hellesen explores the two documented encounters between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln during a period of national crisis. During the summers of 1863 and 1864, Douglass challenges Lincoln to use his power as president to bring truth to America’s founding ideal that “all men are created equal.”
David Selby returns to play Lincoln after his stunning portrayal of the president in The Heavens Are Hung In Black. Craig Wallace, who has previously appeared at Ford’s in Sabrina Fair and Jitney, will play Frederick Douglass.
Hellesen’s previous works for Ford’s Theatre include One Destiny, Investigation: Detective McDevitt and The Road from Appomattox, three gripping and insightful explorations of critical moments in Civil War history. The world premiere of this work will coincide with the opening of the Center for Education and Leadership, which will include new galleries exploring the immediate aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination and the evolution of his legacy.
“This nation cannot excel half-equal and half-unequal. To accept that would be merely to remove our shackles from our legs, clean and polish them, and put them right back on. This work must be done, and done forever.” Frederick Douglass in Necessary Sacrifices.
“Lincoln and Douglass: two self-made men from humble beginnings who influenced a nation. Both envisioned a world of freedom and equality, but they did not always see eye to eye on how to achieve that vision. This play explores Lincoln and his legacy from Douglass’s point of view.” –Paul R. Tetreault, director, Ford’s Theatre
Recommended for ages 13 and up; contains complex language and ideas.
This performance will run two hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
 Photos |
Post-Performance Discussions: January 31, February 7 and February 11
Following the 7:30 p.m. performance, Ford's Theatre will offer facilitated discussions about the themes and issues raised by the play. Post-performance discussions begin immediately after the performance. Individuals who did not attend the show but wish to attend the discussion will be invited into the theatre after the audience from the performance departs.
Pre-Performance Workshop: January 31 - SOLD OUT
This intimate, pre-show seminar will investigate the lives and leadership of Lincoln, Douglass and the women who were their partners.
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Lead Sponsor: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Sponsors: BAE Systems, American Express
Media Partner: WAMU-FM
Performances from February 14 to February 18 will be available for sale beginning January 21.
Please note: January 25 is a private performance.
Dates
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Friday, January 27, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, January 28, 2012 - 2:00pm
- Saturday, January 28, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, January 29, 2012 - 2:00pm
- Sunday, January 29, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, January 31, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 12:00pm
- Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Friday, February 3, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 4, 2012 - 2:00pm
- Saturday, February 4, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, February 5, 2012 - 2:00pm
- Monday, February 6, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 11:00am
- Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Friday, February 10, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 2:00pm
- Saturday, February 11, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Sunday, February 12, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Tuesday, February 14, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Thursday, February 16, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Friday, February 17, 2012 - 7:30pm
- Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 7:30pm
