The Abolitionist's Refrain at Nicholas Martin Rehearsal Hall at the Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts

The Abolitionist's Refrain is an original play by Michael Cormier set at the close of the Civil War, offering an intimate reflection on a pivotal moment in the life of Quaker poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier. The play explores how Whittier used language as a weapon against slavery and injustice before literary fame softened his public image. Malcolm Ingram, an Elliot Norton Award-winning actor with credits on London's West End and Broadway, portrays Whittier. The production is presented by Punctuate4, under the artistic direction of Myriam Cyr, with two performances on May 30 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.