Theatre for Transformation

Dr. Kemp writes, directs and tours historical theatre productions that highlight U.S. slavery and the potential for healing the wounds of racism. Suitable for audiences of various ages, these shows are available for school programs, faith-based gatherings, and conventions.

Productions include:
Show me the Franklins: Remembering the Ancestors, Slavery & Benjamin Franklin **
God's Image Carved in Ebony
God, Death and the Meaning of Life... According to August Wilson

Commission an original work? Click here!

** CURRENTLY TOURING:
"Show me the Franklins: Remembering the Ancestors, Slavery & Benjamin Franklin"
- Written by Amanda Kemp -
[ view / print promotional postcard ]
**2008 Performance Dates**

Meet Jemima, Peter, Othello, George, and King, all held in slavery by Benjamin Franklin. Through music, movement & sometimes humorous scenes, three actors and scholar Amanda Kemp dramatize how our ancestors might have experienced American Slavery and American Freedom. This play offers a fresh perspective on Franklin, who died as president of the abolitionist society without ever freeing one of his own slaves. Join us in remembering and forgiving the wounds of slavery and creating new possibilities from a position of compassion. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

This performance highlights the clash between the dominant narrative of American history, in which slavery is marginalized, and the submerged perspective, which sees slavery as central to the story of American freedom.

"The play was beautiful, funny, and smart, and I felt so proud that we were your hosts. " 
Kerry Sherin Wright, Director of the Philadelphia Alumni Writers House, Franklin & Marshall College.

"It was truly a pleasure working with you, as well! The feedback that I received thus far has been all positive... Please share our gratitude to your staff as well. Everyone did a great job and we hope to have you back again."
Monica R. Dixon, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company

"Absolutely necessary!! The theater presentation of "Benjamin Franklin, Abolitionist?" is a tale that should be shared with all people young and old. Documented history should be revisited and challenged whenever possible, yet in an intelligent and sensitive manner -- both done seamlessly by Amanda Kemp."
Sandra Granthon - Manager of Youth Programs, Crispus Attucks Community Center, Lancaster, PA

"Benjamin Franklin abolitionist? moved me in unexpected ways. This piece approached complex issues from many sides at once. Amanda Kemp's writing and the superb acting simultaneously stirred my intellect, my heart and my imagination."
Niyonu D. Spann, Dean of Pendle Hill

"God's Image Carved in Ebony"

Story chronicles the life and times of internationally renowned African American evangelist and social reformer Amanda Berry Smith. A one-act play with music, the drama runs about an hour without intermission. Drawing largely on Smith’s 1893 autobiography as well as other contemporaneous materials, the play captures the tensions of a woman in a continuous struggle with herself over the authenticity of her call to preach, her pride and the death of her five children.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

Michelle Armster (Mrs. Amanda Berry Smith, co-author). Michelle Armster is a creative soul, weaving song and drama through all dimensions of her life. She has brought this creativity to the variety of places in which she has found herself along her life journey—from lead vocalist of Class Action, an adult contemporary band, to an insurance examiner in Dallas, Texas, to her current position as director of Mennonite Conciliation Service in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A theatre graduate of Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, Michelle entwines her flair for the dramatic with her passions for anti-racism work, peace and justice issues and her faith journey.

R. Nick Peterson (musical arrangements, piano and vocals). Hailing all the way from St. Louis, Nick Peterson is a recent graduate of Franklin & Marshall College. His early musical training started on the string bass. He spent eight years as a classical bassists, performing for and with such notables as Maya Angelou and Itzak Perlman. In high school, Nick decided to expand his musical interest to include the piano. With no formal piano training, he started playing by ear at church. Much practice, hard work, and help from other musicians has made Nick the accomplished musician he is today. He is currently Director of Music at Bethel AME Church in Lancaster, PA.

Amanda Kemp (co-author, director/producer).

"'God's Image' teaches and transforms audiences by showing them the faith, resistance and contradiction in Amanda Berry Smith--the singing pilgrim of the late nineteenth century. The play restores Smith to the rich histories of race and gender in American life, but the significance of her life, particularly her missionary work, transcends American borders as well."
Dr. M. Alison Kibler, American Studies/Women's Studies, Franklin and Marshall College

"Michelle Armster's storytelling abilities added a dimension to the performance that made it both inspiring and instructive. I loved hearing the old familiar hymns (and silently singing along). The struggles of the character mirror the struggles that exist in contemporary life."
Karna Burkeen, Lancaster Theological Seminary

"Kemp expertly wove in such Christian classics as Blessed Assurance, There's a Wideness in God's Mercy, and What a Friend we Have in Jesus to support the storylineŠ The entire audience clapped and sang with Armster effectively creating the feel of an integrated community, rather than an audience watching an actress."
Sarah Dolan, Student, Franklin Marshall College

"This play gives powerful voice to the vitality and tensions of socially-engaged Christianity in the post-slavery context. A great learning experience; a tremendous human experience."
Dr. Gregory Johnson, Religious Studies, University of Colorado

"As I follow my faith path, I continually seek divine intention which sometimes puts me in direct conflict with my heart's desires. This struggle is at the center of God's Image Carved in Ebony. The struggle is heightened in the face of crushing racial prejudice. Spirituals sung throughout the drama are offerings to all. The truths and complexities of this story return to me again and again."
Anne Wallace-DiGarbo, Lancaster Monthly Meeting (Quaker), Ph.D., C.A.C.

God, Death, and the Meaning of Life... According to August Wilson

An adaptation of 3 three plays of the late Pulitzer prize winner playwright August Wilson for an ensemble of up to ten, this is a theatre workshop for students or community members.  An engaged way to wrestle with life's big questions and to learn about Wilson, this 2-3 day workshop is a great way for small groups to bond.  No acting experience required, this workshop concludes with a no-fee, movement enhanced reading open to the group's larger community.

Commission New Work
Dr. Kemp will create historical theatre for or about your community.  In consultation with you,  Dr. Kemp will conduct the necessary research and draft a richly layered script based on historical documents such as letters, trial transcripts, newspaper editorial, and journals.  Seeking the inner drama as well as the outer conflict, Dr. Kemp's work is characterized by complex characters whose choices leave audiences inspired and questioning  their own responsibility in realizing a beloved or whole community.  Through a residency, Dr. Kemp could then work with your class or organization to bring the script to life in a live performance.

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