Local dance company West Chester Dance Works will present “Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line” for a two-show run this month, write Steph Walton and Karen Rogers for 6abc.
The show is based on the true story of Rachel Harris, a Black woman who escaped slavery in Maryland to live freely and work as a business owner in West Chester. When slave owner Mort Cunningham follows Harris to Pennsylvania, she is supported by an abolitionist customer to escape enslavement a second time.
The show is a multi-media production utilizing different modern dance styles, voice narration, and historic images of West Chester.
Diane Matthews, founder and executive director of West Chester Dance Works, conducted research at the Chester County History Center to develop the show, which was first performed in 2008.
Artistic Director Candace Matthews-Bass describes the show as being about the importance of freedom and community, and ultimately “what bringing people together can accomplish.”
West Chester Dance Works’ production will perform on Feb. 7 and 9 at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.
Read more about West Chester Dance Works’ production of “Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line” at 6abc.
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