The Frederick Douglass Project

by Deirdre Kinahan & Psalmayene 24

The Frederick Douglass Project - a conversation with the creative team • October 22, 2020

Celebrating Black History Month in Ireland and the 175th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s tour of the island, Solas Nua, in association with the Embassy of Ireland Washington DC, hosts a look back on our award-winning production of The Frederick Douglass Project.


The Frederick Douglass Project postcard

About the Play

THE FREDERICK DOUGLAS PROJECT by Deirdre Kinahan & Psalmayene 24

For the first time in DC history,  Solas Nua brought a theatre production to The Yard's Marina. Situated on the Anacostia River, this site-specific play overlooked Douglass' historic home at Cedar Hill. 

The production was listed as The Washington Post’s “Best Theatre of 2018” (article) and earned a Helen Hayes Award Recommendation.

Staged on a pier at the Marina, this play was commissioned by Solas Nua to commemorate Frederick Douglass' 1845 voyage to Ireland and the bicentennial of his birth. The production featured live music, hip hop, and dancing in an innovative blend of African American and Irish culture. 

The Frederick Douglass Project

Production Team

Directed by Raymond O. Caldwell
Choreography: Tiffany Quinn
Scenic Design: Jonathan Dahm Roberston
Lighting Design: Marianne Meadows
Costume Design: Danielle Preston
Music Director: Michael Winch
Dramaturg/Dialect Coach: Rex Daugherty

The Frederick Douglass Project Press
Praise 4

The cast took home the Helen Hayes Award for OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE

The Frederick Douglass Project Cast
Featuring Gary Perkins, Madeline Mooney, Daniel Westbrook, Louis Davis, Jenny Donovan, Tiffany Byrd, Kevin Collins, and Michael Crowley
The Frederick Douglass Project Yards Marina Before
The Frederick Douglass Project Yards Marina After

The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project
The Frederick Douglass Project