In 1839, in Peterboro, NY, Thomas Leonard, a freed slave, helps Harriet Powell escape from her Southern owner who is visiting the area. While hiding in an attic, a price on her head, waiting to be taken to Canada in the dead of night, Harriet is with abolitionist Gerrit Smith and suffragette Elizabeth Cady (before she married Stanton). Confronted with new and difficult ideas about race and identity, Harriet faces the costs and benefits of freedom. Can Leonard, Smith and Cady convince her to go to Canada – and freedom? Written by Kyle Bass, this compelling play premiered in October 2018, at Syracuse Stage, where he serves as associate artistic director. ELTC is presenting its fourth production and NJ premiere. Mr. Bass received a commission from the Onondaga Historical Association to write POSSESSING HARRIET. It is based on a true story.
