Mason Arts 250 invites the public to a free theatrical event
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council
Our community’s busy celebration of the nation’s founding continues Saturday, June 20, with “Passages: One-Act Plays and Oratorio.”
The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Pozez Jewish Community Center at 8900 Little River Turnpike just west of Annandale.
Sponsored by the Mason District Arts Council, “Passages” is the third activity in the council’s Mason Arts 250 series, a multi-format commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. All are invited to this free event.
“Passages” weaves together a program that takes participants through the history of the United States in dramatic fashion, challenging our understanding of the moments and individuals that played key roles in our story.
The program includes short one-act plays – two of which are original works submitted as part of a Mason Arts 250 call in the spring – and two historical interpretations. Each piece features local actors.
Related story: A Mason Arts concert celebrates America’s 250th anniversary
“Passages” was conceived and developed by Mason District Arts Council member Anthony Dauer, who co-directs the production alongside his theatrically inspired daughter, Sibyl.
The original one-act plays include “Life with Lightning” by Jodi Smith and “Choose” by PJ Gross.
Gross is a local playwright and poet who recently took home First Place in the Mason Arts 250 Poetry Contest for a new work.
The showcase also features “Passages,” a triptych that includes “Declaration of Emancipation,” “Pamphleteer,” and “The Citizen’s Inheritance” (available via the event QR code). These scenes center on historical figures at critical junctures of our nation’s history. All roles will be played by the writers and local community members.
Two deeply experienced reenactors will also bring their creations to the Pozez JCC. Janis Harless will portray Nancy Mason, daughter of George Mason IV, a role she has honed over the years. Lynne Garvey-Hodge will portray Mrs. Nancy Robert “Mimi” Walker (Amelia Himes Walker), a suffragist from the early 20th century.
Audience members are asked to arrive at the JCC a few minutes early and bring an ID for a security check-in.
The Mason District Arts Council created Mason Arts 250 to develop programs that reimagine the ideas of the American Revolution and engage the public through the arts.
Attendees at the Passages event and a community mural project on June 27 (11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space) will have a chance to contribute to the Mason Arts 250 Wishing Tree.
Cards will be available for participants to write down their wishes for America’s next 250 years. The cards will be hung on a tree at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space.