Storytelling Performance: Nancy

In 1820, Elihu Embree published his newspaper The Emancipator on Main Street, Jonesborough. The seven-edition paper is the first publication dedicated solely to the cause of abolitionism. Embree passed away in December of 1820. Even though the paper was short-lived, The Emancipator had over 2,000 subscribers and its reach extended all the way to Boston and Philadelphia. Despite his abolitionist beliefs, Embree himself was an enslaver. Nancy was an enslaved woman owned by Elihu Embree, and her story will be shared onstage at the International Storytelling Center on Monday, August 12 in the award-winning play “Nancy.” This production is a partnership between the McKinney Center and Black/White Dialogue. It is sponsored by Harold Dishner with State Farm Insurance.

Researched and written for the Heritage Alliance by Anne G’Fellers-Mason, Program Manager at the McKinney Center, “Nancy” follows a year in the woman’s life, from January 1820 when Elihu Embree wrote his will to January 1821 when his will was read before the Washington County court. The play is based on primary research relying heavily on documents from the Washington County Archives. “Nancy” won an Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Association of Museums and an Award for History in the Media from the East Tennessee Historical Society. The role of Nancy will be performed by Taleah Rogers. Seating at the International Storytelling Center is limited to 95 people.

“It is an honor to bring Nancy’s story for the first time to the stage at the International Storytelling Center,” Mason says. “Jonesborough is the Storytelling Capital of the world and Nancy’s story is a part of Jonesborough’s story. I am excited that the McKinney Center, Black/White Dialogue, and the Heritage Alliance can work together to mount this production. We have performed this play in the Sarah Sevier Memorial Chapel at the Embree House Historic Farm, in Harris Hall at Washington College Academy, and in a black box theatre at the Mary B. Martin Center for the Arts. Nancy’s story can be shared anywhere.”

There will be one performance at 6 p.m. on August 12. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased directly through the Town of Jonesborough’s ticketing system at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Jonesborough Visitor’s Center at 423.753.1010. A short talk back and a reception hosted by Black White Dialogue will follow the performance.

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About the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington: The mission of the McKinney Center at Booker T. Washington is to provide a comprehensive program through Jonesborough’s Mary B. Martin Program for the Arts which teaches various art skills to all participants through a quality program of instruction open to all segments of Jonesborough’s population. In addition, a primary mission of the Center is to enhance minority participation in the planning and implementation in all activities in Jonesborough while specifically celebrating the contribution of the African-American community in the growth and development of the Town. The activities of the McKinney Center are designed to enhance the quality of life of all Jonesborough residents.

About Black/White Dialogue:  Black/White Dialogue is a group created to assist in our communication efforts to share stories, information, joys, and concerns about our ability to come together as a people desiring community, understanding, respect, and support for one another.

About the Heritage Alliance: The Heritage Alliance is dedicated to the preservation of the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of the region and to providing educational experiences related to history and heritage for a wide range of audiences. For more information, visit their website at heritageall.org or call their office at 423.753.9580.