The Umbrella Puts an Arts Lens on Rev250

March 6, 2025 by Stewart

April 19, 2025 in Concord will mark the 250th anniversary of the battle at the Old North Bridge and the "shot heard round the world" on the first day of fighting in the Revolutionary War. Commemorations of the semiquincentennial abound along Battle Road and throughout the Commonwealth, from parades and balls to fireworks and historical re-enactments, and The Umbrella has been proud to work with local partners to plan a robust series of programs that reflect expanded perspectives on history through a lens of the arts. Below is a summary of related programs this season at The Umbrella.

 

Where We Belong
February 28-March 23, 2025
The Umbrella Arts Center Black Box Theater

The Umbrella Stage Company presents the New England premiere of Mohegan theatre-maker Madeline Sayet’s ground-breaking play interweaving indigenous history, Shakespeare, colonialism, cultural legacy, and the power of language. It recounts Sayet’s 2015 journey to England to pursue a PhD in Shakespeare, in the shadow of the Brexit vote. Moving between nations that have failed to reckon with their ongoing roles in colonialism, she grapples with what it means to remain or leave her own home at Mohegan, but finds comfort following in the footsteps of her ancestors who traveled to England in the 1700s to help her people. Several special community engagement activities are planned during run.

Ways of My Ancestors – Imagery: Lighting the Path to Awareness
February 28-March 23, 2025
The Umbrella Arts Center Wedge Gallery

The Umbrella Visual Arts presents an exhibition of work by Nipmuc photographer Scott Strong Hawk Foster juxtaposing historical and contemporary experiences of the region’s indigenous peoples. Opening reception March 5, 6-8PM and Artist Talk March 9 at 1PM. FREE

Concord250 Event: A Fight for Freedom: Honoring Patriots of Color
March 15, 2025, 3-5pm
The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144

Special event dedicated to uncovering and honoring the often-overlooked contributions of African American and Indigenous patriots during the American Revolution through a series of engaging presentations, cultural performances, and discussions. In 1775, between 20 and 40 colonists of African and Indigenous descent fought alongside their fellow revolutionaries on the Battle Road during the opening conflict of the American Revolution. These individuals, who had been excluded from formal militia service prior to the war, became some of the earliest patriots to take up arms in the fight for liberty. By the end of the Revolutionary War, approximately 5,500 African and Indigenous men had served in the Continental Army or militia, risking their lives for the promise of freedom. Partners: Concord250, Minuteman National Historical Park, The Robbins House, Concord Visitors Center, The Umbrella Arts Center, and other local partner organizations. FREE

Concord250 Event: Concord’s Secret History
April 12, 2025 8-10pm and April 14, 2025 2:30-4:30pm
The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144

Premiere of new documentary about the history of slavery in the region surrounding Concord, Massachusetts, in co-production by Kogainon Films (USA) and GTVdocs (UK). Programs include facilitated talkback with the film’s producer/director and others.Partners: Concord250, Concord DEI, The Umbrella Arts Center. FREE

Weaving an Address
April 14, 2025 – October 18, 2025
The Umbrella Arts Center Allie Kussin Gallery and Walden Woods

Curated by artist Marla MacLeod, this outdoor/indoor public and gallery art exhibition features site-specific work by prominent Black artists combining sculpture, fiber art, installation and live performance inspired by little-known experiences of historical Black inhabitants of Concord and its Walden Woods. Large-scale and interactive work will be installed on Brister Hill, named for Brister Freeman, an enslaved man who won his freedom by serving in the Revolutionary War and then bought the property and lived there along with other formerly enslaved. Inter-related fiber and woven artworks will also be installed in the nearby Umbrella Arts Center Allie Kussin Gallery through June 14, 2025. Supporting community activities include opening reception on April 14, monthly curator talks, processionals and live performances. Artists: Ifé Franklin, Stephen Hamilton, Whitney Harris, Ekua Holmes, Marla McLeod, Kimberly Love Radcliffe, Anthony Peyton Young. Partners: The Umbrella Arts Center, Walden Woods Project, The Robbins House. FREE

Concord250 Event: Concord Triptych Film Screenings
May 17, 2025, 3PM
The Umbrella Arts Center Main Stage Theater 144

The Umbrella with Five Sisters Productions and the Tufts University Half the History Film Project presents a program of three locally shot short films about impactful women in Concord history.

  • Margaret Lothrop and the Wayside (Premiere screening with new score)
  • Ellen Garrison: Scenes from an Activist Life (Return engagement)
  • Women of the Old Manse (World Premiere)

Related family activities include optional childcare with teacher-led thematically related crafts during the screening, and a table display of Rise Up!, a new children’s book by Barefoot Books on revolutions and protest in U.S. history. Partners: The Umbrella Arts Center, Tufts University Half the History Film Project, Robbins House, Barefoot Books. FREE

Learn more about upcoming Rev250 commemorations in Concord and around Massachusetts at Massachusetts250.org

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