AIP and Long Beach Public Library host performance for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, Artists in Partnership hosted “Harriet Tubman: Herself” on Sunday afternoon, captivating audiences with an interactive and educational one-woman show.

A goal of the organization is to offer opportunities for artists, connect with new audiences, and reflect the diverse cultures and histories of the community through its programs. Amid discussions about changing history to avoid discomfort, Johanna Mathieson, Director of Artists in Partnership, emphasizes the role of the arts in acknowledging, safeguarding, and preserving all aspects of history, even the difficult ones.

“It is through these cross-cultural, person-to-person interactions, telling our stories and listening to the stories of others, and sharing our customs and beliefs that we arrive at the understanding that, within our unique backgrounds and histories, we are connected by common threads- it’s the condition of being human,” Mathieson said.

“Our ancestor is here,” announced Mathieson, to the audience in the darkened auditorium of the Long Beach Public Library. Silence, and then the strains of “My Train” echoed as Christine Dixon began her performance and journey as Harriet Tubman.

Through her compelling portrayal, Dixon offered attendees a glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Harriet Tubman.

From her efforts to liberate enslaved peoples to the journeys she undertook to guide them to freedom, Dixon narrated Tubman’s experiences. The audience was deeply moved as they learned of Tubman’s unwavering determination to secure freedom for herself and countless others, including members of her own family.

“Lighting and guiding Harriet’s way to the stage were numerous inspirational lanterns created prior to her arrival by the diverse group of audience members and arranged to create her path to ‘Freedom,’” Mathieson said. “For the next 90 minutes Harriet shared the story of her life as a slave, her trials and tribulations, her remarkable victories and why she is someone who is held in such high esteem within the pages of our American History. Engaging young, and older members of the audience to join her on stage to reenact pivotal times in her life, the program took on a true community theatre feel.”

The concept for “Harriet Tubman: Herself” originated from Hollywood Theatre Critic member Morna Murphy Martell and draws inspiration from Sarah Bradford’s seminal 1868 biography of Tubman.

Dixon’s involvement in the production did not just show off her talent and storytelling skills—it also showed her dedication. As a member of New York Women in Film and Television and SAG-AFTRA, she not only acted but also directed and produced the show, ensuring it was authentic and had a lasting impact.

“This educational and entertaining collaboration between Artists in Partnership, Inc. and the Long Beach Public Library marked the 751st performance presented by Christine throughout the United States and Europe,” Mathieson said. “Visit our website at aip4arts.org to learn more about future programs and how you can get involved.”