In his fourth commission for Ford’s Theatre, playwright Richard Hellesen explores the two documented encounters between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln during a period of national crisis. As Lincoln searches for a way to end slavery in the summers of 1863 and 1864, Douglass’s rhetoric and conviction challenges the president to envision a post-emancipation world. Together, the men imagine not only a unified nation but a society that brings truth to the Declaration of Independence assertion that “all men are created equal.” Hellesen’s previous works for Ford’s Theatre include One Destiny, Investigation: Detective McDevitt and The Road from Appomattox, three gripping and insightful explorations of critical moments in Civil War history. The world premiere of this work will coincide with the opening of the Center for Education and Leadership, which will include new galleries exploring the immediate aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination and the evolution of his legacy.
Videos
![]() |
Wait Until Dark
State Theater (1/23 - 2/8)
PHOTOS
VIDEOS
| |
![]() |
Here There Are Blueberries
Seattle Rep: BAGLEY WRIGHT THEATER (1/21 - 2/15) | |
![]() |
The Heart Sellers
Leo K. Theater (1/2 - 2/1) | |
![]() |
2025/26 Season Announcement
The 5th Avenue Theatre (9/13 - 5/17) | |
|
We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon and Parfunkel Musical
Village Theatre (6/27 - 7/19) | |
|
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Non-Equity)
First Interstate Center for the Arts(Formally INB Performing Arts Center) (4/11 - 4/12) | |
|
Chicago, the Musical
National Tour (10/6 - 5/22) | |
|
Grease
Village Theatre (5/9 - 5/31) | |
|
Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery
Village Theatre (1/20 - 2/22) | |
| VIEW SHOWS ADD A SHOW | ||