A breath-taking step back in history comes to audiences as Ford’s Theatre presents Necessary Sacrifices. Directed by Jennifer L. Nelson – this vibrant portrait of Lincoln and Frederick Douglass brings history to life as the difficult times of the civil war and all it presents comes to light through discourse of this to important figures. Each moment takes audience members on a journey to a time that is still politically poignant as we are reminded that there is nothing so important as to stand up for what you believe in, remembering that there will always be struggles and sacrifices to maintain that belief.
David Selby (Abraham Lincoln) and Craig Wallace (Frederick Douglass) in Ford’s Theatre's 'Necessary Sacrifices,' directed by Jennifer L. Nelson. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Scenic Designer James Kronzer keeps things simple in order to let the actors do the work of transporting the audience to the office of the President inside the White House in 1862. The veiled screen that Kronzer uses to separate the office scene from the front of the main stage is an ingenious concept because at times it allows Lincoln (David Selby) to appear in the shadows of the background giving him a more commanding presence upon the stage. These simple scenic choices are complimented by the outfits of the era by Costume Designer Helen Huang, who creates the illusion of Lincoln’s height through lengthened slacks with a high waist. Huang has done her research for these characters look as you would expect to see them in a historical portrait or as they were – preserved in that very moment in time.
It is a striking moment when Lincoln first takes the stage – scene hidden in the shadows behind the veil – his voice echoing through the house as if he is speaking from far away— and the fact that this particular production is staged in the famous Ford’s Theatre makes that moment humbling in addition to profound. When Douglass is first introduced it is a stark comparison as he marches onto the stage -certain and determined with words ready to launch his beliefs from visions to reality.
Craig Wallace (Frederick Douglass) and David Selby (Abraham Lincoln) in Ford’s Theatre's “Necessary Sacrifices.” Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Craig Wallace as Frederick Douglass provides a powerful performance for the audience. He is fiery and fierce as he stands tall against President Lincoln (David Selby) in heated debate and argument in the White House Office. There are moments where Wallace stands stone still but the words issuing forth from his mouth are loaded with heartfelt meaning, letting the fire from within blaze through his voice like a beacon of hope for all that he believes in. Wallace presents a constant build in his character; every moment leading to the next with his emotions ever present and rising through his facial expressions and his voice encapsulating the desperation and yearning of his soul through his words and movements. His performance is nothing short of thrilling as he shouts at just the right moments after debating with Selby over the gravity and consequences of the dire situation in which both characters are found.
David Selby portrays a man so raw and believable that did we all not know Lincoln himself is long dead in the ground – we might believe to be seeing the very man himself upon the stage. Selby creates Lincoln as a real man. He shifts in his chair with unease upon hearing touchy subjects from Wallace’s character, and he moves about the office in such a manner that allows you to see he is more than just a title – more than just the president, but a man like any other. There is a heart-wrenching moment pulled forth from the depth of Selby’s soul when Lincoln sits in his chair gazing upon the picture of his late son and in that moment he pauses – choked up with a look that threatens tears upon his face and he stands, voice still choked with that same threat of tears and addresses Wallace’s character. In that moment the humanity of Lincoln exudes from every inch of Selby’s body and before the audience the President of the United States is laid bare as a mere man, human being with doubts and questions of God just like everyone else. It is a riveting moment that compels the audience to feel.
David Selby as Abraham Lincoln in the Ford’s Theatre's 'Necessary Sacrifice.' Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Selby and Wallace play exceptionally well off each other. The noted reality and gravity of the settling situations is ever present in their voices and even in their friendly banter exchanging lighthearted jokes upon their first meeting, or in their darker moments when discussing departed children. Selby presents a tough but kind man in responses to many of Wallace’s character accusations – the epitome of firm but fair in his portrayal. Perhaps the most poignant and profound moment of the entire show comes just shortly into Act II. Wallace stands at the front of the stage – discussing how things have not worked the way he envisioned – and in the background behind the shadowy veil Selby appears and slowly begins to deliver The Gettsyburg Address. The haunting sound of Selby’s voice as Lincoln in this moment freezes the audience as Wallace as Douglass over lays the pauses in the speech with his soft echoes of disappointment, reality, and judgment. It is such a powerful moment, staged and acted so well that audiences cannot bear to look away.
Necessary Sacrifices is an exceptional masterpiece of historical reality in a time gone by with two incredible performers providing vibrant life to two of history’s most important political figures during a time where a country stood divided against itself. Any historian would be amazed and those who wish to see history at its liveliest should attend.
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes with one intermission.
Necessary Sacrifices plays through February 18, 2012, at The Ford’s Theatre – 511 10th Street NW, in Washington, DC. For tickets please call (202) 347-4833, or purchase them online.
LINKS
Watch a video trailer for Necessary Sacrifices.
Watch an interview with Necessary Sacrifices Playwright Richard Hellesen.
Amanda Gunther is an actress, a writer, and loves the theatre. She graduated with her BFA in acting from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and spent two years studying abroad in Sydney, Australia at the University of New South Wales. Her time spent in Sydney taught her a lot about the performing arts, from Improv Comedy to performance art drama done completely in the dark. She loves theatre of all kinds, but loves musicals the best. When she’s not working, if she’s not at the theatre, you can usually find her reading a book, working on ideas for her own books, or just relaxing and taking in the sights and sounds of her Baltimore hometown. She loves to travel, exploring new venues for performing arts and other leisurely activities. Writing for the Maryland Theatre Guide will give her a chance to pursue her passion of the theatre and will broaden her horizons in the writer’s field.
