CREATOR’S NOTES
the musical
Based on her poignant autobiography, Narrative of Sojourner Truth, TRUTH tells Sojourner’s story as she did in her life - in both word and song, with a powerful woman’s voice, crackling wit and wisdom, and a deep, rousing, soul-stirring honesty. Sojourner is both the Prophet-Storyteller and the central figure in TRUTH’s Story within a Story, which she delivers as a kind of eye-opening, heart-rousing ‘Sermon on the Fairgrounds!’
As she recounts her harrowing life’s journey, Sojourner discovers that in order to exorcise the nation’s demons of enslavement, she must also recognize and release the shame she has long carried from things done to her in her younger days.
In defiance of persistent efforts by men to silence her, Sojourner stands once more in the SpotLight of God above. As she sings from her soul in the Holy Spirit of TRUTH, she is honoring her parents, children, family and ancestors, while liberating herself and lifting up the audience, young and old. Her Faith in Action gives us Faith in a way forward into a more just and humane way of living, Truly loving our neighbors as ourselves, once and for all.
the purpose
In our present time of racial and cultural reckoning in America, in a nation fraught with political, racial, economic, class and gender tensions, Sojourner returns in TRUTH to awaken and speak to the hearts and minds of America, challenging once more the pernicious deadly narratives of power-hoarding patriarchy, misogyny and white supremacy.
Coming to bind up, not wound, to resurrect, not bury, Sojourner’s TRUTH-telling opens a door for healing the nation in the here and now. By personalizing for all people to grasp the true horrors of enslavement and its legacies - with a clear-eyed critique yet deep Love for humanity, Sojourner’s story inspires and awakens the spirit of compassion which is essential for justice and equality for all. Her living virtues of fortifying faith and forgiveness help lift people from the malaise of resentment and entitlement which pits neighbor against neighbor, leaving everyone mired in misery.
Sojourner’s Love is not blind, it’s not without scars, yet it is a living force of humility, humor, harmony and transmuting power which restores us to fundamental decency and humanity.
the family
BARBARA ALLEN is Sojourner TRUTH’s sixth generation great-granddaughter and Sojourner’s family legacy holder. She is the author of several beautiful children’s books honoring her great grandmother, and is a sought after speaker on the legacy of Sojourner. She is the Family Consultant for TRUTH and a tremendously positive voice for the enduring power and meaning of Sojourner’s life and spiritual legacy. TRUTH is honored to have her gracious input, friendship and support!