On June 22, it was an honor to perform in front of my home town friends and community in Marion, Virginia. This performance was the first ever presentation about “The Life of John Broady” who was my sixth great grandfather. This debut performance was a fitting time and place to share the story where much of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence has roots and is the area where both General William Campbell and John Broady lived.
The nearly hour long monologue brought John Broady’s voice to life and revealed John’s thoughts rooted in his experiences of slavery, freedom, and the fight for freedom from the British Crown.
John, often referred to as “John…the Patriot” began sharing his story as a young four or five year old and moved his story along until about thirty years of age.
It was during this period of his life when he learned to read and began confronting the harsh realities of slavery and the meaning of freedom.
John’s dialogue with William Campbell as young boys provides speculative insight into their quiet, unusual, and unintended relationship. In time, William becomes John’s slave master.
The performance was designed to be informative, educational, and even entertaining. However, there was certainly an emotional component involved. As a direct descendent, preparing and delivering the story is very personal and intimate. I lived during the final years of Jim Crow laws and experienced the various institutions enforcing racial discrimination. As such, 250 years ago does not seem too distant a past.
It literally took a village to bring this story to the stage at the Lincoln theater where I experienced segregation almost every Saturday of my young life over sisty years ago.
Thanks go to Robert Watkins, Executive Director of the Lincoln Theater; Dianne Hayes representing the Mt. Pleasant Preservation Society; Max Wyatt of the Smyth County Historical Society and Museum; Rose Likins of the Smyth County Public Library; and Stephanie Nichols of the Smyth News and Messenger.
The actual performance was supported by Carol Barnard with the slide presentation, Sabrina Durling-Jones with the AI presentation, and Joe Ellis who provided the introduction. There were others who contributed and my thanks are extended to all.
Finally, I deeply appreciate those attendees who endured a very long line and wait afterwards to say hello. I was shocked to speak to so many old friends not seen for over 50 years.
Here are a few of the written comments I received later:
“I was totally immersed in his presentation of his patriot ancestor, John Broady, from the very beginning. He was comfortable, passionate, and extremely knowldedgeable about his subject.”
“This past weekend I had the incredible opportunity and privilege of attending a local history event that left a lasting impression. On stage at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Marion, Virginia, I witnessed something that felt both intimate and monumental.”
“The performance was great in most ways! REAL!! Imaginative!! INSPIRATIONAL AND MOVING!! Important!!! I was so glad I was there and wish everyone could see it.”
I anticipate one or two more new performances to be developed to move John’s story beyond the age of thirty. Subsequent stories will detail John’s eventual emancipation which took place more than sixty years before the Civil War and President Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. I welcome any questions or comments from “Friends of Copey” and others.
