Hercules, Martha and George
This history play delves into the relationships between and among Hercules Posey, a slave who served as the presidential chef to our first president; George Washington, who, in turn, functioned as his foil; and first lady, Martha Washington, who tended to mediate between them. The drama centers on the pull of fame, which Hercules enjoyed because he was the presidential chef, and the pull of freedom, which tempted him to eschew that fame. The question throughout is what will Hercules do, and, then, at the end, why did he do it.
Cast
In order of appearance: Martha Washington, White, age 60 at the outset of the play. Tobias Lear, White, the president's young counsel, age 26. Sarah Collier, Black, a Quaker cook and former slave, age 41. The Reverend Richard Allen, Black, an entrepreneur, age 47. Michael Eanes, White, a Quaker abolitionist, age 25. Hercules Posey, Black, George Washington's enslaved chef, age 36. George Washington, White, first president of the United States, age 59. Ona Judge, Black, a dower slave attending to Martha Washington, age 23. Genevieve Lafarge, White, secretary to Louis-Philippe d'Orleans de Bourbon, age 32. Louis-Philippe d'Orleans de Bourbon, White, the future King of the French, age 24. Christopher Sheels, Black, a dower slave, age 24. (Some role doubling is possible)
Authors
David C. Newcomb