East Lynne Theater presents “Possessing Harriet”

A New Jersey Premiere Written by Kyle Bass Directed by Mark Edward Lang In 1839, Harriet Powell escaped from her Southern owner with the help of a freed slave who took her to the home of abolitionist Gerrit Smith. While hiding in his attic, a price on her head, she waits to be taken to Canada – and freedom. With her is Elizabeth Cady (before she married Stanton), an advocate for women’s equality.  Confronted with new and difficult ideas about race and identity, Harriet was forced to face the costs – and benefits – of freedom. This compelling new play premiered at Syracuse Stage in 2018, and was performed at the Franklin Stage Company, also in New York, in 2019. POSSESSING HARRIET had its World Premiere at Syracuse Stage, Syracuse, NY, in October 2018; Artistic Director Robert Hupp; Production Directed by Tazewell Thompson. It was originally commissioned by The Onondaga Historical Association, in Syracuse, NY; Gregg Tripoli, Executive Director.