Show Information
March 23 - April 24
OneAmerica Mainstage
In-Person Tickets Start at $25
Virtual Tickets $30
About the Play
The Reclamation of Madison Hemings
by Charles Smith
March 23 – April 16, 2022
OneAmerica Mainstage
Available for streaming April 11 – 24, 2022
the ties that bind
It’s 1866, and the Civil War has ended. Madison Hemings, son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, and Israel Jefferson, former enslaved footman, return to Monticello in search of Israel’s brother. Together, they must face their conflicting feelings about their shared past, as they reframe the narrative of American history. Slavery has been abolished, but what really has changed? From what personal bonds do we need to break free? And where do we need to hold on tight? Don’t miss this gripping world premiere about history, family, and hard truths.
*Part of IRT's INclusion Series: Celebrating Diverse Storytelling
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.
The Reclamation of Madison Hemings is the story of two formerly enslaved Black Americans and explores the brutal history of slavery in the United States. The production contains profanity, includes stories of human violence and oppression, and depicts animal cruelty. Recommended for patrons 8th grade and above.
Health & Safety Guidelines:
All IRT patrons attending public performances must show a photo ID and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test (administered no more than 72 hours prior to the performance), in addition to wearing a mask. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the terms of our policies. Please see our full Health & Safety information and policies on our FAQs page.
Artistic Note:
“After visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Whitney Plantation (museum) in Louisiana, I became fascinated by how the mere listing of names had the power to paint a vivid picture of the past, while keeping the past present and vital. For several years, I wondered if there was a theatrical equivalent to what these memorials were doing. When I started researching The Reclamation of Madison Hemings and came across the names of hundreds of enslaved people who lived and died at Monticello, I realized that this was my chance to find out.” – Charles Smith, Playwright
faqs: season, safety, & streaming
Read the free digital program below or click here.
Multimedia





Cast Members

Israel Jefferson

Madison Hemings
Creative Team

Playwright

Director

Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Composer & Sound Designer

Projections Designer

Assistant to the Director

Guest Dramaturg

Resident Dramaturg

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager
Sponsors
ARTIST SUPPORTERS:
David & Jackie Barrett | Supporters of Ron OJ Parson
Derek & Elizabeth Hammond | Supporters of Brian Anthony Wilson
Bill & Nancy Hunt | Supporters of the Design Team
Drs. Eric Schultze & Marcia Kolvitz | Supporters of David Alan Anderson
PRODUCTION SUPPORTERS:
Dick & Brenda Freije
Brenda Horn
Dan Bradburn & Jane Robison
Gene & Mary Tempel
SEASON SUPPORTERS:
Bob & Toni Bader | Season Supporters of Janet Allen
Gary Denney & Louise Bakker | Lead Individual Production Support, Fahrenheit 451
Michael Dinius & Jeannie Regan-Dinius | Season Supporters of Suzanne Sweeney
Susan & Charlie Golden | Season Supporters of Rob Johansen
Mike & Judy Harrington | Season Supporters of Ben Hanna
Sarah & John Lechleiter | Season Supporters of James Still
Mike & Liz Simmons | Season Supporters of INclusion Series
David P. Whitman & Donna L. Reynolds | Season Supporters of Costume & Prop Shops