At the Meeting Place of Respect

On this episode of Civic Sparks, Leah Verier-Dunn and Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and playwright, talked about the acclaimed one-act play, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect. 

For those unfamiliar, A Walk to Respect is a one-act staged reading and impactful theatrical experience. The work is presented in this way to emphasize the historical context of the words spoken, reminding patrons that those very words are those of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Alongside the actors portraying those two powerful roles is spoken word poet and narrator Cedric Hameed. Through his poetry, Cedric contemporizes the experience, offering an avenue to carry the history forward in a way that is more accessible to today’s audiences. 

During our conversation, Beth and I discussed the impact of an experience like this. When we have the opportunity to look back at our country’s history through an artistic lens, it provides space to take a deeper dive. Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had opposing views and lived very different lives, but through listening and consideration, they found themselves at the meeting place of respect. This effort led to an unsuspecting friendship. Beth’s discovery of this friendship inspired the crafting of A Walk to Respect.

In the spirit of building relationships, turning outward, and identifying shared aspirations, audience members have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion following the performance; an important piece of this theatrical experience that invites room to talk about hard things together. 

We hope you’ll join us on August 29 and August 30 at The Glenridge Performing Arts Center for this showing of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: A Walk to Respect. Admission is free as a gift to the community from The Patterson Foundation.

Please visit this link to reserve your tickets. For questions or help making reservations, contact 941-552-5325 or email boxoffice@theglenridge.com.

Listen to the podcast here, or watch below.