Defending the Light

Ron Milner’s new play DEFENDING THE LIGHT will have its world premiere at the Tribeca Center for the Performing Arts. Adapted from Earl Conrad’s novel Seward for the Defense, the play follows the events which took place on the night of March 12, 1846 in Auburn, New York. A tragic incident took place involving William Freeman, a Negro, who stabbed to death a white man and his family. Former New York governor, William H. Seward, who later became Secretary of State under President Lincoln, defended Mr. Freeman at his trial. The prosecution was led by John Van Buren, son of President Martin Van Buren.-dlm