American Primitive (John and Abigail)

The Berkshire Theatre Festival’s Unicorn Theatre opens with American Primitive (John and Abigail), the words of John and Abigail Adams, put into a sequence for the theatre, with addenda in rhyme by William Gibson, and directed by Gary English. The American Revolution is at its most dangerous stage, and caught in the middle are John and Abigail Adams. Through excerpts from their personal letters, the play illuminates their private struggle and the sacrifices they made to help create a new nation.

A touching tale of duty, courage and true love in the midst of internal disputes and impending invasion, the play is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the first great American couple, as well as a portrait of a time that is stunningly relevant in 2003.

There is a Talk-Back performance on Monday, May 26.