The Night Before Gettysburg
An original, historically accurate, one-act play written and performed by Chuck Johnson
It’s November 18, 1863. Tomorrow is a MOMENTUS day, the Gettysburg National Cemetery is being dedicated. Abraham Lincoln has been asked to make “a few appropriate remarks.” It’s bed time, and his speech isn’t done. It’s been a bone-wearying day that began in Washington and ended in Gettysburg. “Abraham, you can’t afford tired, you need to finish!” he says to himself in his bedroom.
He’s “torn asunder” as he works on the speech. Racism, slavery, war carnage and the deaths of two of his children tear at his soul. “The Night Before Gettysburg” takes you inside Abraham Lincoln, as he asks himself “What is slavery? Why is slavery? Why are men enslaved.” As he answers those questions, you see Lincoln the man, who he was, what he stood for and the burdens he carried.
Abraham invites you to join him on a journey back to 1863. You’ll absorb history on your journey…and you’ll learn about this great man who worked so hard to reunite America.
Enjoy the journey!
English