The Night Before Gettysburg
An original, historically accurate, one-act play written and performed by Chuck Johnson will be performed at Evansville Art Center on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
From Perham to Gettysburg
Johnson, from Perham, Minnesota has been involved in community theater in West Central Minnesota all his adult life, perhaps on stage for 20 shows. He wrote this play to compete in the Madhatter’s One Act Play Showcase in Wadena, Minnesota in 2021, where he won 3 awards - Best Play, Best Original Play, and Best Actor! He has since been invited to Gettysburg and performed during activities commemorating the 160th anniversary of the battle.
A Great Man in Momentous Times
“The Night Before Gettysburg” is a 1-man, 3-scene, 1-act play, in which Abraham Lincoln finishes writing the Gettysburg Address in his bedroom the night before the speech (true history).
The storyline goes as follows, quoted from Johnson’s website:
“It’s November 18, 1863. Tomorrow is a MOMENTOUS day, the Gettysburg National Cemetery is being dedicated. Abraham Lincoln has been asked to make “a few appropriate remarks.” It’s bedtime, and his speech isn’t done. It’s been a bone-wearying day that began in Washington and ended in Gettysburg. “Abraham, you can’t afford tired, you need to finish!” he says to himself in his bedroom.
He’s “torn asunder” as he works on the speech. Racism, slavery, war carnage and the deaths of two of his children tear at his soul. “The Night Before Gettysburg” takes you inside Abraham Lincoln, as he asks himself “What is slavery? Why is slavery? Why are men enslaved.” As he answers those questions, you see Lincoln the man, who he was, what he stood for and the burdens he carried.”
Actor Chuck Johnson portrays Abraham Lincoln
In Scene 1, Lincoln talks directly to the audience in 2023, explaining events that led up to the Battle of Gettysburg.
Scene 2 takes place in his bedroom in 1863 as he finishes the speech. He is torn as he grapples with slavery, racism, war carnage and the deaths of two of his children; and recounts the battle as told to him by General Meade.
Scene 3 is presentation of the Gettysburg Address.
Come and Bring Your Questions
The performance will be followed by a question/answer session, which begins with a deeper look at historical events brought forth in the play. Then the audience is invited to ask questions, no holds barred.
Come join us on a journey back to 1863. You’ll absorb history on your journey…and you’ll learn about this great man who worked so hard to reunite America.
There is no charge to attend this event. Donations gratefully accepted. Feel free to bring a treat to share at intermission if you wish. Beverages will be provided. Doors open at 6:30p.m.
Evansville Art Center is located at 111 Main Street in Evansville, Minnesota and is handicapped accessible.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Lake Region Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage fund and in part through a Minnesota State Legislative general fund appropriation.