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"The people of Oakland did an outstanding job in bringing the people, passions, morals and legalities of the time to life...While I have known the basics of the Matson slave trial for many years, I learned so much more on Saturday...Originally, my wife Cheryl and I thought we might just go for the meal and the play. But the first-person interpreters really added to the understanding of the magnitude of the case...Roger Ashmore, a descendant of Gideon Ashmore, and Kim McGee posed as Ashmore and Rutherford outside of Dr. Rutherford’s historic home. They did a great job of portraying the two key figures in the story and explaining their involvement and their willingness to take action on their beliefs...Marylee McGee, Kim’s wife, portrayed Mary Corbin. She was a hoot! It was not difficult to get a sense of the real Mary Corbin’s temper and charm when visiting with her at a cabin at Independence Pioneer Village. The interpreters, as well as the actors in the play, all are local residents. Three performers from Indianapolis, also at Pioneer Village, portrayed freeman Anthony Bryant, Jane Bryant and Lucy Dupee, a resident of the black community that was just north of Oakland. I don’t know their names but they brought emotion to the roles so visitors could get a sense of the misery and cruelty of slavery..."Three Fifths of a Man” was the play written and directed by David Jorns, former president of Eastern Illinois University. It was more like readers theater, with few props, and very fast-paced. The cast sparkled...Incidentally, I thought the play treated Lincoln a bit harsh but the Matson slave trial is about so much more than Lincoln. It was a polished performance by all."
Many of the interpreters and several of the actors will return to their roles this year. The play has a couple of extra characters, and special activities have been added for Saturday (though any ticket will admit you to those events). Get your tickets today by clicking on contact us on the website.
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