Photo: Ford’s Theatre, “Necessary Sacrifices”
Hamilton created a movement that revolutionized theater and introduced the world to the Founding Fathers, in a new way. Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, heavily utilizes hip hop to tell the story of a lesser known Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton is an important figure in American history but Frederick Douglass, for Black people especially, just means so much more. The Speakers Publishers & Authors Association (SPAA) is proud to present to the world “Fred,” an original hip hop production about the life and times of Frederick Douglass. With ticket prices sometimes in the thousands, many simply couldn’t afford to see Hamilton. Fred is every bit as powerful and yet, affordable. This is groundbreaking.
Frederick Douglass was a true prophet, unquestionably a voice that challenged America on the nature of freedom. Born into slavery as Frederick Bailey, Douglass took his freedom — no one gave it to him. The musical Fred follows Douglass’ dramatic journey from slavery to freedom, an escape so daring that a good screenwriter could hardly have conceived of it. Fred examines Douglass’ transition from former slave to Founding Father of a new republic, one in which Black people are determined to live free. Through hip hop, motion and all-original dialogue, Fred tells the story of America’s second birth, through the life of one of its greatest Founding Fathers.
Fred will make its world debut at the SPAA Theater, located at 1112 Scott Avenue, in Chicago Heights, IL. Fred is slotted for one show only, Saturday at 3 PM, on February 29. Tickets can be purchased by going to www.spaatheater.org. SPAA is also seeking out investors so that they can bring Fred to cities across the country. The individuals who invested in Hamilton early on did quite well. Fred, however, is a much more compelling story, from our Founding Father. This is a groundbreaking production, from a Black organization that is bringing to life one of the greatest American heroes of all time. Fred is a glorious chapter of the American past, retold in a radical way for the present generation.
SPAA’s “Theatre for All” initiative is designed to make sure youth and the elderly have access to quality theatre, regardless as to if they can afford it or not. Reserve tickets now at www.spaatheater.org and also inquire as to how Fred can be seen in your city.
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