The Task
Set the Stage! Lights, Camera, Action! The scene is Philadelphia, September, 1851. You will play a role in a short play about abolition in the North. You will also participate in crafting dialogue for the characters in the scene. Through dialogue, the characters will demonstrate the roles and experiences of the abolitionists as well as reflect the experiences of escaped slaves.

 
The characters in the scene will be two recently freed slaves who were helped to freedom by Harriet Tubman. These two fugitive slaves have found refuge in a safe house organized by William Still and his associates in the Underground Movement. He is assisted in his efforts by two white anti-slavery women supporters. Harriet Tubman, the famous conductor on the Underground Railroad is present as is William Still, the head of The General Vigilance Committee of Philadelphia. William Still is intent on keeping detailed records of fugitive slaves' experiences and his organization's activities. The anti-slavery women supporters will give the newly freed slaves food and clothing supplies plus basic reading and writing lessons before sending them on to their next stop. Harriet Tubman will prepare them for the harsh weather they will face as they head further north to the Boston area and their ultimate destination of St. Catherine's, Canada West.

 
You will craft dialogue for the following:
  • two women anti-slavery supporters
  • two of the recently freed slaves who accompanied Harriet Tubman
  • Harriet Tubman and William Still
Include all the characters in one scene and perform the scene on stage. Refer to the fact that the freed slaves will be heading further north to Boston. Refer to/cite to the following:
  • Letter from the American Anti-Slavery Society, December, 1833.
  • Certificate of Membership for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, 1839.
Include the ramifications of being captured under the penalties of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 (even in the North).
You will be assigned to one of three groups:
  • Group#1 will consist of one free slave and William Still.
  • Group#2 will consist of one white woman anti-slavery supporter and a free slave.
  • Group#3 will consist of Harriet Tubman and an anti-slavery women supporter.

Process

Process Page