The 1619 Project, One-Act Festival

Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Dallas

Directed by Gabrielle Kurlander

In late August 1619, a ship arrived in the British colony of Virginia with a cargo of twenty to thirty enslaved people from Africa. Their arrival led to the barbaric and unprecedented system of American chattel slavery that would last for the next 250 years. This is sometimes referred to as the country's original sin, but it is more than that: It is the source of so much that still defines the United States.

Bishop Arts Theatre Center presents a broad variety of plays and performances created by and for diverse community members. BATC seeks to provide opportunities for young people and adults to express themselves through performance regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and/or religious beliefs. BATC does not censor artistic expression. In selecting our artistic offerings, we are guided by basic democratic principles of inclusion, artistic freedom and freedom of expression.

While the views and opinions expressed in this theatrical production do not necessarily reflect those of BATC staff or board members, we are dedicated to creating an environment that supports people sharing diverse viewpoints openly and honestly. In this way, BATC works to build bridges between communities and among all who choose to participate in our programs.