Jefferson & Adams Play reading

Jefferson & Adams is a moving and powerful dramatization of the remarkable and turbulent friendship between two former presidents. A moving and powerful historical play by Howard Ginsberg. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ginsberg’s dramatization of the remarkable friendship between two former presidents of the United States – with the forthright Mrs. Adams always playing a major role. The play spans 50 years of their friendship, beginning in the early days of the Republic, extending through two wars with England, and continuing through their vigorous retirement. They continually clashed over foreign entanglements, domestic politics, and the proper role of the Federal government – debates which continue to this day. In a fast-paced series of encounters, the play shows the turbulent relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, as their friendship ignites, flourishes, ruptures and resolves itself. The perceptive Abigail Adams acts as a catalyst and motivator while steadfastly maintaining her own beliefs. Jefferson & Adams was first produced in 1995, at the Leatherstocking Theatre Company, Cooperstown, New York. It has been performed annually since 1995 in Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello and Poplar Forest, Virginia, and in Adams National Historical Park, Massachusetts. About the playwright Howard Ginsberg was formerly a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, giving him an unusual background to plumb the depths of his complex characters. He has used this skill to explore various historical subjects, including Matisse, Virginia Woolf, and Adolf Hitler’s financier, the former President of Deutsche Bank. In 1998, his play Murder in Paris was performed on BBC Radio 4, starring Alan Bates. ‘How We Lost America’ is presented by Aurora Metro Arts & Media Ltd and made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to celebrate this historic anniversary. Aurora Metro Arts & Media is a not-for-profit arts and education organisation whose work champions diversity and equality through arts and media projects for the local community and beyond. They were established in the 1990s and have delivered dozens of innovative arts and media projects involving films, theatre, talks, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, books and music in and around London until today. They work with creative arts practitioners, filmmakers, musicians and writers to create high quality arts projects.