In the summers of 1863 and 1864, Frederick Douglass, the famous black abolitionist, and President Lincoln met privately to discuss affairs of state. They must have been fascinating meetings, as two of the most powerful and influential men of the time violently disagreed about certain topics. Now Ford’s Theatre has commissioned Richard Hellesen to write a play on those meetings, allowing us to overhear their probable substance and tone. One thing Lincoln and Douglass clearly disagreed about was the speed with which all states could be completely free of slavery, although at the beginning of the play, Lincoln (David Selby) has delivered the Emancipation Proclamation. At the behest of his friend George Stearns (Michael Kramer), Douglass (Craig Wallace) goes to Lincoln and challenges him to give meaning to the proclamation’s words. Lincoln is cautious, concerned about politics and the slow process of gaining positive public opinion.
Douglass, an ex-slave, is restless and interested in gaining specific advantages for black soldiers: equal pay compared with white soldiers and the possibility of promotions. With rioting going on in New York, Lincoln fears that the time is not right for across-the-board changes to the way the Army does business. It’s this structure of Douglass pushing and Lincoln resisting that provides the drama through much of “Necessary Sacrifices,” until just before its end.
| Onstage |
| ‘Necessary Sacrifices’ |
| Where: Ford’s Theatre, 511 Tenth St. NW |
| When: Through Feb. 18 |
| Info: $15 to $52; 800-982-2787; ford.org |
By the beginning of Act II, according to Lincoln, “pay and conditions are improved,” but Douglass is still not satisfied. Lincoln gradually grows increasingly convinced that the war must be one of “complete abolition.”
It’s a testament to Hellesen’s writing and Jennifer Nelson’s direction that “Necessary Sacrifices,” whose action is all verbal, is focused and compelling throughout. Both Selby’s and Wallace’s performances succeed through the strength of the emotions they generate.
James Kronzer’s set creates a convex scrim painted with clouds, which Dan Covey’s lighting design colors with subtle tones, marking the passage of a day. For the scenes in Lincoln’s office, the scrim lifts and Lincoln’s desk, chairs and piles of books roll out to center stage.
Hellesen is a historian as well as a playwright and the parts of the play that are of record are well researched. Woven through the script are words from Lincoln’s famous speeches and the great body of work Douglass left. Wallace makes Douglass’ brilliance as an orator completely credible as Selby makes believable Lincoln’s self-effacing style and down-home wit.
What’s most impressive about “Necessary Sacrifices” is the way it brings together two iconic figures at first as leaders, but ultimately portrays them as men who have experienced pain and loss, retaining a personal bond beyond respect. It’s an excellent way for Ford’s Theatre to begin the celebration of Black History Month.
