I Dreamed I Was Free

Rich Swingle has created a one-man play about John Woolman, who challenged the Philadelphia Yearly Quaker Meeting of 1758 to abolish slavery. Woolman’s efforts are the basis of I Dreamed I Was Free to be performed by its author at the annual fundraising gala of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society (WJHCS). The public is invited to attend the event, taking place at Morven Museum and Garden, 55 Stockton Street, on November 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Swingle is a writer and actor who has performed the play off-Broadway; in Norway, Germany, Canada; and throughout the U.S. and the U.K.

The upcoming I Dreamed I Was Free “challenges audience members of all ages not to settle for what our culture declares to be the norm, challenging them not to let the curse of racism fall upon the next generation.” A “Hot Seat,” which follows the performance, allows Swingle — still in character as John Woolman — to answer questions that come up for any characters he performs in the play. “This can be as powerful as the play itself, allowing audience members to explore the themes that stirred them,” reads the release.

Tickets are $25 for students, $50 general admission, $75 for preferred seating, and $100 for VIP front row seating. Sponsorships are also available. For tickets or more information, email Emily at admin@studiohillier.com or call her at (609) 688-9999 ext. 201.