Education was strictly prohibited for African-American slaves
in mid-nineteenth century America. However, when Lida, a young slave, is secretly
taught to read and write by her uncle, she embarks on a journey of truth and
self-awareness so powerful and profound that she is compelled to flee the oppression
and brutality of plantation life, and to seek out the freedom she now understands
is her birthright. Courageously leaving all that she knows behind, Lida begins
a dangerous and exciting trek on the Underground Railroad.
This play, written by James DeVita, was loosely based on the true story of
Caroline Quarrels, a young slave who bravely escapes in hope of a better life.
A Midnight Cry dramatizes an actual event of Quarrels’ life in which
she hides in a barrel for hours until abolitionists help her slip away. For
A Midnight Cry, DeVita also incorporated a number of other historical sources,
including additional slave narratives and spirituals, in order to create an
accurate rendering of the era.
Recommended for grades 3-6
Running Time: 50 Minutes
Workshop – Next Stop: Freedom – Giving Students a Ticket to the
Underground Railroad
Wednesday, March 28 from 2:30-5:30 p.m.
at the Lied Center
Recommended for educators of grades 3–6
Ric and Jeanne Averill have created a dynamic blend of time-travel, dramatic
historical re-enactment, and song that will enable students to visualize a
trip along the Underground Railroad. Creative Drama exercises will include
a family choosing one member to make the break for freedom, a re-enactment
of one of the many possible "close calls" on the journey and songs
that give "clues" as to the next stop.
Teachers will be given complete lesson plans to help them create a visceral
learning experience that will bring history to life and prepare students for
the presentation of Dallas Children’s Theatre’s A Midnight Cry.
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