A national premiere of an original play commissioned by the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce through grant funding provided by the SC250 Commission, Professor Annette Dees Grevious and Performance Artist Brandi LaShay have collaborated to develop a compelling production, which explores and uplifts African American involvement in the founding our nation and establishment of the State of South Carolina.
Six Black Continental Army soldiers captured by the British are forced to explore what the promises of freedom, independence, liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness truly mean for them. Uplifting the lives of Blacks and the role they played in the founding of the United States, especially in South Carolina, The Promise explores the lives of six men from South Carolina during and post-American Revolutionary War.
The performance forces audiences to examine history and the country’s founding principles 250 years later. An infusion of poetic dialogue, stylized movement, music, and visual artistry provide audiences with glimpses into the lives of Spencer Bolton, John Busby, Isham Carter, Gideon Griffin, Morgan Griffin, and Allen Jeffers – real men with South Carolina roots – as they face the true impact of the promises they were made during and post-American Revolutionary War.
Audiences will be educated, engaged and encouraged to learn more about African American involvement during this period.
