JH: MECHANICS OF A LEGEND
The legend of John Henry, the only African American tall tale character, is not just a myth — he was a real man and the truth of his story is rooted in the dawn of a new nation and the American machine age.  His legacy, left to us in song, tells of the mighty railroad man who races a steam drill until his heart bursts, leaving his fabled hammer to his great love, Polly Ann.

JH: MECHANICS OF A LEGEND melds the language of mechanics, century old ballads and primary historical records to explore the legend of John Henry.  A diverse team of artists joins forces with theater making company, Hiawatha Project, to measure the myth, the man, and the machine, revealing a poetic and dangerous truth inside the machinations of history.

Two Post-show Panel Discussions:

“History Haunts Us: The Ghosts of John Henry.”
Thursday, February 16, 2017 
immediately following the 8pm performance.

Hiawatha Project, Scott Reynolds Nelson — bestselling author of Steel Drivin’ Man: John Henry, The Untold Story of an American Legend, and an esteemed panel of Pittsburgh experts explore historical truths in the legend of John Henry, and how these truths continue to haunt us today.

“People of Faith, People of Change”
Sunday, Feb 12, 2017
immediately following the 3pm performance.

Hiawatha Project, with a diverse panel of local religious leaders,
explores faith teachings on social and racial justice.
How can our hearts lead us to justice?

 JH: MECHANICS OF A LEGEND
a Hiawatha Project original show
Directed by Anya Martin
Devised with Kyle Bostian, Tom Driscoll, Delana Flowers, Monteze Freeland, Anya Martin, Angela Baughman, Britton Mauk
 
 

Runs February 9-18
at the August Wilson Center
For Tickets and Information
www.hiawathaproject.org
Box Office: 412-456-6666