The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation

The Black Rep: Dred Scott's Struggle for Freedom

October 2006 - September 2007

Excellence comes in many forms but in the theatrical arts, it is best expressed by passion. That is exactly what we saw from the first production to the most recent when the Black Rep produced and performed a special commissioned touring play by star playwright Bill Harris for the 150th Anniversary called No Land’s Man: A Chapter in the Lives of Dred and Harriet Scott .

Veteran actor and entrepreneur Ron Himes, Founder and Producing Director of The Black Rep and Rita Washington, Director of Education are to be commended again and again for this most excellent accomplishment. They began planning this long ago and it has been a cornerstone of the activities this Spring. The St. Louis Public Library, a sponsor of the Friends of the 150th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision, commissioned this play on the Anniversary date, March 6, 2007. According to Gerald Brooks, Marketing Director and Co-Chair of the Friends group said a crowd of over 300 filled the Performance Hall in the Main Library Downtown.

The 5 person cast performed for almost 40 audiences, many by special request for intended groups. In October 2006, the first plays were performed before high school students who were very attentive and responded with intelligent questions and thoughts. On February 21, The National Geo-Spacial Intelligence Agency requested the play for their employees. They presented for Black History Month a four city simulcast of their program. As part of the St. Louis event, the Black Rep performed and there were few dry eyes in the room at the end. Lynne Jackson was asked to be in attendance and introduce the play to the audience. On another occasion, she also spoke after a private viewing for prospective students from Washington University who were treated to the play at Grandel Square, the season location for the Black Rep Performances.

We will always remember this very special production. Thank you, Ron, Rita, Bill and everyone who made this such an historic event.