1776: American Folklore On Stage

The Folklore of Politics

Politics is a complex subject. As a common topic found in folklore - legends, myths, and fairytales – it reveals a community’s perspectives about those who rule and those who are ruled. Popular themes (motifs) range from misuse of power to benevolent leadership. In the genre of theater which has its roots in oral tradition/storytelling, actors and actress portray political attitudes, values and beliefs. Although the story they tell captures the conflicts and struggles of a specific time and place, its message has a timeless appeal.

That is the case with 1776, the Tony and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Musical that made its Broadway debut in 1969. Based upon the book 1776 by Peter Stone Book and music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards, the play takes place during the hot Philadelphia summer of 1776. The cast are primarily members of the Second Continental Congress who proclaimed independence from the tyranny of British monarchy and adopted the United States Declaration of Independence.

Their challenges are relevant today; especially considering the recent 2016 election. It’s no surprise then that award winning Spreckels Theatre Company in Rohnert Park has taken on the task of presenting this play at a time when political tensions are high and differing opinions are straining the country’s democratic fabric. This choice suggests the hope that on-stage arguments, debates and negotiations can provide audiences with insights into the underlying values of opposing views and the importance of compromise and political reconciliation.

According to the Director

I recently had a chance to ask Larry Williams, Director about that. Here is our conversation:

Q: 1776 is about is the beginnings of America as a sovereign country. Historic American figures -the Founding Fathers – grappled with the formation of a nation from 13 colonies. That required debate and deliberation about what independence meant, what it cost and who it was for. What do you think are the two most compelling political conflicts or issues of the play?

A: One of the biggest issues was slavery. Several members including Thomas Jefferson owned slaves. The document itself called for freedom for all peoples yet slaves were considered as property. It was a sticking point in agreeing to independence. The other issue was with governance of this new brand of colonists. How would it be constructed, who would write the rules and make sure they were followed?

Q: Following a hotly debated 2016 political season, this play returns audiences to the enterprising notion that independence and sovereignty are essential rights worth taking risks for. Does the play inspire audiences to remember that democracy – a highly-prized American value - is a work in progress that requires people to keep up ‘the good fight’ for all concerned even when the odds may not look hopeful?

A: Absolutely! This becomes a main plot point in the play. How do we work with different ideas about governance and what will it take to resolve those differences? There comes a point in the play where it seems all is lost, but through determination of spirit and concessions made, there is resolution. It's fascinating how much this part of history never changes: the meeting of opposing ideals, goals, and purpose to make it work.

Q: What character traits did the folk heroes/heroines of 1776 portray?

A: The characters in this play are altered somewhat by the writers. I directed actors to look in to the biographies of the character they were playing. I wanted them to get a sense of what their characters ’attitudes were and what they had accomplished. Interestingly, the traits depicted in 1776 suggest generally what these actual people were like, but were written in a way to tell the story and move it along in a theatrical way.

If You Go:

When: Feb. 10- 26, 2017. 8 p.m. Fri-Sat; 2 p.m. Sun; and 7:30 p.m. Thurs, Feb. 23.

Where: Spreckels Performing Arts Center Main Stage / Codding Theatre, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA 94928.

Tickets: $16- $26. Click here.

Presidents' Day Holiday Weekend Performance discounts: Free for children ages 12 and under, $12 for ages 13 to 18-years old , 8 p.m. Feb. 17-Feb. 18, 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19.

More Info.

Photo: Heather Buck and David Strock (Martha and Thomas Jefferson). Taken by Eric Chazankin at the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum.