Harriet Jacobs - The Kansas City Repertory Theatre

Photo: Michael McClure
Dear Friends,
A LETTER FROM THE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Welcome to our production of Harriet Jacobs, a new play based on one of the most
historically significant autobiographies ever published.
I first encountered Harriet Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl in college, and still
remember how her powerful book rendered the history of slavery into something potent,
felt and personal. Her personal account of the totalitarian system of control that subjected
millions to untold suffering over hundreds of years changed the world by telling the truth.
Harriet Jacobs is one of the great figures in American history, and she helped change the
world by daring to tell her story.
Many generations later, my dear friend Lydia Diamond has created a new play that brings
fresh theatrical life to Jacobs’ story. In collaboration with one of my favorite directors,
Jessica Thebus, and a truly brilliant acting ensemble and team of designers, we share a
compelling, powerful vision of the triumph of the human spirit against unimaginable
oppression and adversity.
I am so proud to introduce this beautiful, harrowing new play to Kansas City audiences, and
I am grateful to this wonderful company of artists for sharing their work with us.
My very best,
Eric Rosen
Artistic Director
Kansas City Repertory Theatre: Harriet Jacobs | 3