From October 8-17, the Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina will present Radical Son, a play about Charleston’s own John Laurens, an unsung Revolutionary war hero and one of America’s first abolitionists. Starring co-writer and Broadway veteran Clarence Felder, it will take place at Threshold Repertory Theatre in downtown Charleston.
“Not only was John Laurens one of George Washington’s top aides at Valley Forge, but we believe he had secretly freed his black servant almost 90 years before the Emancipation Proclamation. He is a fascinating figure in history for South Carolina audiences to discover”, shared Mr. Felder, who plays John’s father, Henry.
Chris Weatherhead, the play’s director and co-author said, “Especially in light of recent events, this play is timely in its themes of courage, love and reconciliation. It is meant to start a lot of discussions.” Alan Stello, Director of the Powder Magazine, a National Historic Landmark in Charleston, added “Radical Son is a unique way to connect audiences with a largely unknown man that influenced not only a city, but a state and a young nation.”
Performances are October 8-10, 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and October 11 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22 adults, $20 seniors, $15 military, and $10 students and can be purchased through www.ActorsTheatreOfSC.org.
