FOURTEEN: A Theatrical Performance

Experience FOURTEEN, a moving theatrical performance that sheds light on the Reconstruction era and the ratification of the 14th Amendment. Through dramatic interpretation of original texts, the 35-minute performance—which is presented in conjunction with the National Constitution Center’s permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality—brings to life the leaders, influential figures, and everyday Americans who were central to the Reconstruction era.

FOURTEEN is created in collaboration and consultation with nationally recognized, award-winning artists and scholars, including Drama Desk Award-winning theater artist Suli Holum; three-time Obie Award-winning playwright, director, and actor Ain Gordon; John Collins of the internationally acclaimed theater company Elevator Repair Service; Tony Award-winning sound designer and composer Rob Kaplowitz; and Barrymore Award nominated sound designers Daniel Ison and Sara Outing. This production is led by the Center’s director of theatre programs Nora Quinn.

Also created in conjunction with the exhibit is The Great Problem to be Solved, a one-actor performance highlighting Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a key African American figure from the Reconstruction era. Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a staunch abolitionist, suffragist, poet, teacher, writer, and public speaker, speaks out in this 1875 address to the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery, outlining the work yet to be done in the cause for African American freedom. When offered, the performance takes place in the 14th Amendment section of the exhibit. This performance is produced by the National Constitution Center, directed by Walter DeShields, performed by Nastassja Baset Whitman, and designed by Tara Webb and Sara Outing.

To learn more about the 14th Amendment and the Reconstruction era, check out other resources from the National Constitution Center:

• Interactive Constitution: The 14th Amendment: Explore in-depth scholarly articles, essays, and videos about the 14th Amendment.
• Educational Video Lesson: The 14th Amendment
• Scholarly Video: Eric Foner, Professor of History at Columbia University, discusses the creation and contents of the 14th Amendment.
• Scholarly Video: Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, explores three major clauses of the 14th Amendment and the ways in which the Supreme Court has interpreted those clauses.
• Scholarly Video: Tomiko Brown Nagin, Professor at Harvard Law School, examines the continuing relevance of the 14th Amendment.

Click here to download a list of primary sources featured in FOURTEEN.

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For more theatrical programs at the National Constitution Center, visit Theatre Programs

This production has been supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage: