The Reclamation of Madison Hemings takes place just after the Civil War, when the formerly enslaved people of the south found themselves thrust into a world where they had to forge a new identity for themselves. Historically, this period in American history was extremely difficult for the former slaves, who were ill-prepared for the financial and social changes they faced. Playwright Charles Smith artfully crafts a fictional tale of two men, connected to one of America’s founders Thomas Jefferson, and how they must find themselves in this new world.
Israel Jefferson (David Alan Anderson), former enslaved footman to Jefferson, and Madison Hemings (Brian Anthony Wilson), son of Jefferson by his enslaved “concubine” Sally Hemings, arrive at the near-ruined Monticello. Both men are seeking something — Israel seeks the grave of Sally who was kind to him as well as a hint of where his son is, and Madison is looking for something he believes he’s owed for his years of living as the enslaved son of a great man. Both carry the wounds of their enslavement, the loss of identity and profound anger at the lack of power despite their newfound freedom. Monticello is empty but for a braying old blind mule that is starving, despite the fertile pasture on the other side of the fence.
It is always a joy to see Anderson on the IRT stage, and he doesn’t disappoint in his role as Jefferson, bringing a heartfelt passion to the character seeking out his children and reconciliation with the past. Wilson, who is also no stranger to the IRT’s stage, also brings full force and anger to Madison, reciting the names of men and women who have been before and those who will come in time to claim their own identities in a newly re-formed America. Together, there are sparks and thunder that fill the stage with sorrow and understanding.
Director Ron OJ Parson’s careful guidance of two veterans of the stage brings the story alive. Scenic designer Shaun Motley blends the projection of Monticello in the back with the realistic stagecraft downstage to suggest the looming presence of the past.
The Reclamation of Madison Hemings will be on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre through April 16. Visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 for ticket information.
