The Reclamation of Madison Hemings at Ensemble Theatre Cleveland

Written by Charles Smith and directed by Ian Wolfgang Hinz, this Cleveland Premiere was originally commissioned by Indiana Repertory Theatre and is inspired by historical events. Set in 1866, one year after the end of the Civil War, the play follows Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and Israel Jefferson, a formerly enslaved footman, as they return to Monticello to reunite with Israel's brother and reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Both men are confronted with conflicting feelings about Jefferson and the hundreds of people enslaved at Monticello, ultimately grappling with what must be carried forward and what must be left behind.