Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30th

Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances.

Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive. Join Harris, the cast and Poplar Forest’s archaeology and interpretation staff for a Q&A following the performance.

Bring your friends and family, a picnic and a blanket or chairs, and experience a little-known but important part of Poplar Forest’s history brought to life. NOTE: The performance consists of three vignettes performed at three different locations on the property. We recommend bringing chairs, blankets, picnics, etc. that are easy to move.

Tickets are $20/adult, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and college students (with valid ID), $5 for children under 6.

Tickets will be available online until 5pm the day of the show. Tickets will still be available at the door both nights. Rain Date: May 31

*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

CAST BIOS

Desiree Younger

Desiree Younger is thrilled to be back at Popular Forest playing the role of Amy and once again helping tell these very important stories. Her passion for theater blossomed in high school with many roles in shows like Agnes of God and Little Women. A 2025 graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Human Biology and now on the road to medical school, Desiree has continued to pursue theater in a variety of professional productions and stage readings, including Into the Woods, Whirlwind, and The Company You Keep. She also recently returned to the same high school where her love for theater began to make her directorial debut as co-director of Heritage HS’s The Wiz alongside her mother, Temika Younger. Desiree would like to thank her family, friends, and everyone who comes out to support productions like these!

Jaela Stamps

Dedicated mother of one, a doula, and a model with a background in theater and film from an early age. I am passionate about advocacy and community involvement, with experience supporting various social justice initiatives. Driven by curiosity and a lifelong love of learning, I am focused on building a legacy across multiple creative and professional paths. I enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life and value opportunities to share empathy, creativity, and diverse life experiences.

Edwin Best

Edwin Best has contributed to numerous theatrical productions both onstage and behind the scenes. His theater credits include serving as a choir member in To Kill a Mockingbird with Commerce Street Theatre, stagehand work for The Color Purple and The Diary of Anne Frank with Little Town Players, participation in an Appomattox reenactment portraying Abe, and stagehand work for Crowns with Shine by JP. A dedicated supporter of the performing arts, Edwin brings creativity, passion, and a deep appreciation for storytelling to every production he joins.

James Stewart

James Stewart, PhD., is a licensed clinical psychologist who is the co-founder, chief operating officer and clinical director for The UP (Unlimited Potential) Foundation, a recovery community organization and Alternative Peer Group program for youth and young adults. Dr. Stewart also finds time to perform in numerous community theatre projects. He has appeared in Dreamgirls, The Wiz, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Ceremonies in Dark Old Men just to name a few. He has portrayed several real-life historical figures in productions at Old City Cemetery and here at Poplar Forest. Dr. Stewart truly believes in giving back to the community whenever and wherever possible.

Russell Hill

Russell has portrayed several enslaved individuals here at Poplar Forest within the past 4 years. He has acted locally in musical and theater productions. He is pleased to join us once again. “This event is just fun to perform!”

Teresa Harris

Teresa Harris is a multifaceted artist and social activist whose work spans singing, poetry, playwriting, acting, and directing. Teresa has written and directed seven original stage plays, including From the Valley to the Peak and Still Climbing, In Remembrance of MLK: From Beyond Vietnam to the Dream,  and The Quincy Armstrong Show. This is her 10^th year as playwright/director of The Day is Past and Gone: A Trilogy of Slave Life at Poplar Forest series. This collection of stories reflects her commitment to using historical narratives to give voice to the enslaved community. Her theatrical work extends to directing a variety of plays and staged readings.  For several years, she has been a contributing writer for the Old City Cemetery Candlelight Tours, enriching her opportunity to both educate and entertain.  In 2023, Teresa served as executive producer of the Legacy Museum of African American History docuseries, I AM FIFTH STREET, a project that celebrates the legacy of Lynchburg’s historic Fifth Street district and its profound impact on the Black community. She is thrilled to continue to share her passion for storytelling.