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THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS

  • May 28 - June 13, 2027

  • The Marinello Little Theatre @ JCU

    1 John Carroll Boulevard
    University Heights, Ohio 44118
Ticket Price $10.00-$42.00 Buy Tickets
Description

GENERAL ADMISSION to Ensemble Theatre's production of THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS.

With “Reclamation” Ensemble welcomes back playwright Charles Smith to our stage. Originally commissioned by Indiana Repertory Theatre and inspired by historical events, Charles Smith’s compelling drama offers a deeply human look at the complexities of American history and the stories that continue to shape our nation. It’s 1866, one year after the end of the Civil War. Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and Israel Jefferson, formerly enslaved footman, return to their birthplace of Monticello in hopes of reuniting with Israel’s brother. Finding the formerly majestic estate near ruin, Madison attempts to claim what’s rightfully his by stripping the architectural features of the house he helped build. Both men are confronted with their conflicting feelings about the man who wrote “all men are created equal.” Israel advises Madison to consider the memories of the other families, hundreds of people, who were enslaved at Monticello, rather than loading down the wagon they need to carry them back to Ohio. When their wagon collapses under the weight of the salvaged load, they are forced to carefully consider the main question of the play—what do we need to keep with us as we move through this world, and what should we leave behind? Ensemble patrons will remember past Ensemble Theatre productions of Charles Smith plays Freeman of Color, Knock me a Kiss, The Gospel According to James, Jelly Belly, and Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues.

“Smith’s dialogue is an intricate dance between the personal and the political, both tangled around the ideals of a nation founded on ‘self evident’ truths that sound noble in theory but didn’t apply to millions of people.” —Chicago Sun Times

Date & Time

May 28 - Jun 13, 2027

Venue Details

The Marinello Little Theatre @ JCU

1 John Carroll Boulevard
University Heights, Ohio 44118 The Marinello Little Theatre @ JCU
Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland

Ensemble Theatre is dedicated to the responsible production of works that celebrate the human spirit drawn from the rich canon of modern American classics as well as other significant contemporary plays.  Ensemble serves greater Cleveland and the Midwest region by reintroducing the classics, examining them with new eyes, and supporting the development of new works for the American theater.

  • Education and outreach activities, engage youth and local community members through on site programming, residencies, and touring performances.
  • Ensemble adheres to a credo with a policy of non-traditional, casting. This is the use of actors of any race, gender identity or orientation, ethnicity, or degree of disabilities in roles for which such factors are not germane to the development of stage characters or the play.
  • Ensemble Theatre believes that the arts are an essential and meaningful part of life. The theatre offers an important forum for stimulating and provoking thought about the issues of contemporary life, and it is a place for communal experience. Introducing future generations to the arts will enlighten them about the human condition and provide them with a resource to nourish them throughout their lives. All art, including theatre, should be a celebration of diversity and human dignity. The theatre provides the highest possible level of professionalism in all areas to nurture new talent, and to be ever mindful of the power of art to entertain and move the audience.