‘Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience’ a celebration of unsung Gullah heroes, their role in America’s fight for independence
From staff reports
The Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. (GTTI) will be presenting another free snippet of its newest original production, “Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience,” written by acclaimed storyteller Anita Singleton Prather and performed by the beloved Gullah Kinfolk ensemble, at 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, at the USCB Center For The Arts in Beaufort.
The event will include play excerpts, commentary from Aunt Pearlie Sue, artisan demonstrations, and a rice tasting.
The play premiered with a “sneak peek” during the 40th Annual Original Gullah Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with the full-stage production scheduled for July 19, 2025, at the May River Theater in Bluffton.
Presented as part of GTTI’s Circle Unbroken series, this new work invites audiences to gather with the unforgettable Aunt Pearlie Sue and explore the often-overlooked contributions of Gullah men and women during the American Revolution. Through stirring vignettes, music, dance, and dramatic storytelling, the production unveils how Gullah expertise in rice farming — especially the lucrative Carolina Gold Rice — became a catalyst for colonial wealth and revolution. The play also highlights Gullah mastery in blacksmithing, indigo dyeing, sugar production, and carpentry — skills that were vital to both Loyalist and Patriot causes.
“Many know the wealth of the colonies was built on rice, but few know the Gullah hands and minds behind that story,” said Prather. “This play brings that truth to life — joyfully and powerfully.”
Audiences will be moved by the Gullah Kinfolk’s signature foot-stomping, hand-clapping energy as they illuminate the stage with soulful rhythms and historical insight.
