Colored Silk: A Civil War Odyssey

Info: Colored Silk A Civil War Odyssey is a riveting one-woman drama which tells the story of Elizabeth Keckley (1818-1907), a formerly enslaved dressmaker from Virginia who migrates north and becomes the ultimate dress designer for Mrs. Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War. A true story based upon Madame Keckley's 1868 memoir, Tami Tyree (playwright) portrays and occasionally sings through the turmoil, triumph, and ultimate sacrifices "Lizzie" endured on her way to accomplishing her dream as an entrepreneur. We meet Elizabeth 20 years after the Civil War and she is reflecting on her life as she enters a new phase: retirement. Now she can speak honestly about things without cover up and remorse, and you will both laugh and cry through romances, her intimate portrayal of the Lincoln family, love, marriage, Frederick Douglass and Mrs. Jefferson Davis. Guests actors Johnnie Mae and Andrew Horton add texture to the story with readings of war letters from the National Archives.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, United States