A celebration of unsung Gullah heroes and their role in America’s fight for independence
BEAUFORT, SC – The Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc. (GTTI) proudly announces the debut of its newest original production, Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience, written by acclaimed storyteller Anita Singleton Prather and performed by the beloved Gullah Kinfolk ensemble. The play premiered with a “sneak peek” during the 40th Annual Original Gullah Festival on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with the full-stage production happening at the May River Theater in Bluffton on July 19, 2025.
Gullah Traveling Theater Debuts Powerful New Stage Play: Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience
Presented as part of GTTI’s Circle Unbroken series, this new work invites audiences to gather with the unforgettable Aunt Pearlie Sue and explore the often-overlooked contributions of Gullah men and women during the American Revolution. Through stirring vignettes, music, dance, and dramatic storytelling, the production unveils how Gullah expertise in rice farming—especially the lucrative Carolina Gold Rice—became a catalyst for colonial wealth and revolution. The play also highlights Gullah mastery in blacksmithing, indigo dyeing, sugar production, and carpentry—skills that were vital to both Loyalist and Patriot causes.
“Many know the wealth of the colonies was built on rice, but few know the Gullah hands and minds behind that story,” said Prather. “This play brings that truth to life—joyfully and powerfully.”
Audiences will be moved by the Gullah Kinfolk’s signature foot-stomping, hand-clapping energy as they illuminate the stage with soulful rhythms and historical insight.
Performance Schedule & Details
Free Public Snippets of the Upcoming Show & Artisan Workshops:
• May 25, 2025 | 4:20 PM – World Premiere Preview at the Original Gullah Festival, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort, SC (Also featuring the return of Decoration Day on May 24 at 3 PM)
• July 2, 2025 | 4:00 PM – USCB Performing Arts Center, 805 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC
• July 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM – Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Pkwy, Hilton Head Island, SC
Each of these three July events includes play excerpts, commentary from Aunt Pearlie Sue, artisan demonstrations, and a rice tasting.
OFFICE 711 Bladen St., Suite 319, Beaufort, SC 29902 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 2341, Beaufort, SC 29901
PHONE 843-379-9276 EMAIL info@gttinc.org or auntpearlie@yahoo.com
Gullah Traveling Theater, Inc.
May 2, 2025 – Press Release
Continued.
Full Show Premiere and Historical Artisans Festival with Rice Tasting
•TICKETED EVENT July 19, 2025 | 2:00 PM – May River Theater, 20 Bridge St, Bluffton, SC
– Adults: $45 if purchased by June 30, 2025 | Youth (7–17): $15 | Children (0–6): FREE lay seating. All tickets include the Rice Tasting.
• Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience Mini Festival – May River Theater, 20 Bridge St, Bluffton, SC12noon – 6:00 PM
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