Heroes

Lieutenant Colonel John Laurens – Abolisionist, Brave Soldier, Aide to General Washington

 Lt. Colonel, John Laurens, was a unique combination of passionate abolitionist, top aide and personal secretary to General George Washington and brave combat officer.  He was the son of Henry Laurens of Charleston, South Carolina.

John is remembered for his rare eloquence and passion to end slavery ninety years before it ended in America and his fight to convince the Continental Congress to pass a bill to create a regiment of 3,000 slaves for him to train and lead with patriots for mutual battle for freedom from the English King. The bill passed but was blocked by the South Carolina legislature. 

He is also celebrated for extreme bravery, which some historians describe as foolhardiness. He was wounded in four battles.  The Marquis De Lafayette, serving with Washington wrote after the Battle of Monmouth, “It was not John’s fault that he was not killed or wounded…he did everything that was necessary to procure one or the other!”

John was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1754, at the Laurens estate, now Mepkin Abbey, and grew up alongside over 200 slaves. By 1772, he was a student in Switzerland under some of the great masters of Geneva. He questioned the horrors of slavery he observed as a child.  

In 1774, growing more anxious to help the American cause and defy his father by leaving law studies, he wrote his uncle, “O God! I know not what to do! …When is the time for an active part, if not the present?” Soon after, letters to his slave merchant father, unparalleled in the wisdom of their arguments against slavery, made him one of the nations first abolitionists. He wrote, “…How can we reconcile to our spirited Assertions of the Rights of Mankind, the galling abject Slavery of our negroes?  Father, where Liberty is, there is my Country… I have long deplored the wretched state of these men, and considered in their history, the bloody wars excited in Africa, to furnish America with slaves, the groans of despairing multitudes, toiling for the luxuries of merciless tyrants.”

In 1777, John left studies in London and his pregnant wife, Martha, to join the Continental Army in America.  He then travelled to Philadelphia with his father who had recently been voted president of the Continental Congress. He immediately enlisted at Valley Forge. Soon after, in the battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, John was given orders by Washington for General Charles Lee to advance, but Lee ordered a retreat.  John challenged General Lee to a duel in which he wounded Lee. 

John continued his fight to end slavery. He was convinced it must be abolished before the end of the war in order for America to be truly a free nation. Anything less would render our society hypocritical. 

In 1780, John was captured in Charleston by the British, but was traded as a high level prisoner and returned to General Washington’s camp.  In 1781, Washington, desperate for Ben Franklin to obtain support from France, sent John Laurens and Thomas Paine to Paris.  John, impatient with Franklin, forged a meeting with the king, mentioning if America lost its war with King George, he “might be forced to turn his sword against the French.” This brief conversation led to the king sending essential French funding, supplies and naval support. 

After the surrender at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, John returned to South Carolina under General Nathaniel Greene to break the British grip on the Southern colonies and end the war. But throughout 1782, the British were dug into the South, hoping to regain control. Many battles continued by Continentals and South Carolina militias together.

In August of 1782, John Laurens was leading an ambush against a British raiding party near Beaufort. The British had been warned and were waiting for him. He was surprised and killed.  In that day, America lost a potential leader as well as one of the most dedicated abolitionists our nation has ever known. He was 27 years old.

Phillip Shrewsbury – Freedman, Soldier

Philip is a fictional character representing the five male slaves who served in the American Revolution with John Laurens, and many others of the period who fought for freedom in hopes for liberty at the end of the conflict.

Technically they were still enslaved by John’s father, Henry Laurens, but because of John’s fight constant fight against slavery they were likely treated by John as fellow soldiers and comrades.

Phillip is portrayed as a wise and discerning friend who shares John’s ideals but is very realistic and a true friend when John receives news that his dream of a black regiment has been voted down. He makes it clear to John that no matter how anyone attempts to control another human being, “we are all free in our minds.”

KELVIN CURTIS portrays Phillip Shrewsbury

Kelvin was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has been an entertainment professional for many years, directing, producing, acting and as a technician.  He directed many plays including The Shadow Box, David & Lisa, Flying Colors, and Tony & Tina’s Wedding. Kelvin was also a member of The University of Miami Honor Choir.  Mr. Curtis worked at various levels on TV’sMiami Vice and other shows in Florida before moving to Los Angeles, where he created his production company, Lord Kelvin Productions. His credits include “The Bill Engvall Show” with actress Jennifer Lawrence. Kelvin’s first producer credit generated an award-winning short film, “The Ballad of George Breaker”. His company worked with many top professionals including Nelly Furtado, Cash Money Millionaires (hip-hop performance group) and Janet Jackson.

Thomas Jefferson – Founding Father, Statesman

The role of Thomas Jefferson in John Laurens’ War is a “what if” conversation between John Laurens and Jefferson that no one can ever know happened but many have wondered if they met and spoke about Jefferson’s writing of Declaration of Independence and the fact the committee given the task of writing it did not include a statement regarding ending of slavery would be in the final document.

It is a fair question if the two men ever had such a conversation, and it would have been an important one. It is likely they knew each other and could easily have met and spent time in such reflection and argument.

MICHAEL EASLER portrays Thomas Jefferson.

A veteran actor of over 140 theatrical productions, Michael has appeared in numerous roles for the Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina. He portrays Governor Rutledge in All for Liberty and Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox in Echoes of Glory: Heroes from the American Revolution. He also portrayed General Beauregard in the National Geographic Special: Secret Weapon of the Confederacy, co-starred as Dr. Walsh in Cold Soldiers and has been featured other films, including Chattahoochie with Dennis Hopper and Gary Oldman, as well as on television series and documentaries. He spent several years in residence at Greenville Café And Then Some Comedy Theatre as an actor, writer and musician. He has starred in notable plays such as Breaker Morant, the Little Foxes, and Cabaret.

It is a fair question if the two men ever had such a conversation, and it would have been an important one. It is likely they knew each other and could easily have met and spent time in such reflection and argument.

Thomas Day — Poet, Author, Reformer & Abolitionist

Thomas Day was born in 1748, in England, the son of a wealthy man. He was extremely bright and became a philosopher, author and debating master in college. He studied law at Middle Temple, one of the Inns of Court with John Laurens. They became close friends.

The two reformers shared a great love of liberty and the many hypocrisies of their world. And John was honing his skills as a debater against all slavery in his homeland. “Where liberty is, there is my country,” became a favorite statement and Thomas agreed.

John was likely deeply moved by Thomas Day’s popular antislavery poem, The Dying Negro, crafted with John Bicknell. It was inspired by a newspaper report of a black slave in London who was in love with a white woman also serving in the same house. When the master found out they were to be married he sent the man to the docks to be sold in America, but the slave tricked the thugs hired to take him there, grabbed a pistol from one and shot himself rather than be taken from the woman he loved. A deeply moving tragedy.

 John’s zeal to fight for liberty in his home country was likely spurred on by his friendship with Thomas Day and others who were anti-slavery in London. The writers of John Laurens’ War built on the relationship between two brilliant students for the film story and made Thomas Day a narrator in the film.

ADAM MILES portrays Thomas Day (Narrator)

Mr. Miles created the character of Thomas Day in the stage production about John Laurens, “Radical Son” by Chris Weatherhead and Clarence, as well as portraying him in the award-winning film version,  “John Laurens War.” Adam is a College of Charleston Theatre alumni and Second City Comedic Writing graduate who now lives in Charleston with his amazing wife and two beautiful children.  A former stand-up comedian, Adam performs theatre all over Charleston and is a permanent cast member of The Black Fedora Theatre company and founder of 108 Elemental Productions. Other favorite roles include Reginald Denny in “Twilight Los Angeles”, Brendan in “The Weir”, and Mortimer in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Elizabeth Futterell – Prison Servant & Courier for Henry Laurens

The young woman tasked with bringing food and sundry articles for Henry Laurens while in his cell in the Tower of London, was a historical person, but like many other people with key significance in the War for American independence, she is rarely given credit for her contribution and risking her life as a courier for Mr. Laurens during his imprisonment.

Her father was in charge of Henry’s case and worked with the King’s Council in regard to the danger of Laurens possible execution if the King ordered it. Elizabeth’s position in the film of John Laurens’ War is one of romantic interest in Mr. Laurens as well as willingness to share his cause of Independence for America. After the war, Henry took her to South Carolina.  He never married her, as he was a widower dedicated to his wife,  but he left a sizable amount for her and her mother in his will. This act reveals his deep appreciation for her kindness to him as a prisoner and sacrifices as a courier and spy. 

General George Washington – Commander-in Chief of the Continental Army

(1732 –  1797)

As commander of the Continental Army, George Washington, led the Patriot forces, who had been poorly organized and badly equipped, and inspired them to become a army of passionately committed men, willing to sacrifice and fight to final victory of independence against the tyranny of the British King.  It was a brutal seven year war. He is a Founding Father of the nation and was the first President of the United States. In John Laurens War, John’s father, Henry Laurens, as the President of the Continental Congress goes to the winter encampment at Valley Forge to discuss strategy. Henry is also a good friend of George. The general tells Henry of horrific conditions; tragic few supplies, massive illness and freezing weather, the loss of more soldiers and the inability to mount a solid fight if attacked. Henry promises to get as much help from the Continental Congress as possible.

PAUL O’BRIEN portrays General Washington. – Mr. O’Brien made his international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024 with his one person show, A Yank in Scotland, which will he will reprise in 2025. Paul has worked  extensively as an actor with various acting companies in the Charleston, South Carolina area over the past decade including starring in The Dayporch with Actors’ Theater of South Carolina and with Threshold Theatre, he portrayed Henry VIII in Wolf Hall, Henry II in Lion in Winter, Voltaire in Emilie, George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and  Slim in Of Mice and Men. In a Village/Threshold collaboration, Paul starred in the World War I drama, Journey’s End. He is a physician by day at Medical University of South Carolina.

Martha Laurens  – John Laurens’ Wife

Martha met John when he came to London to study Law.  Her father was in business with John’s father, Henry Laurens. She fell in love with his brilliant mind and idealistic views of the world. They were married, but he made it clear to her father before the wedding he was on his way to fight the American Revolution. Martha became pregnant by him and there is some question in the historical record whether John proposed and married her before she became pregnant. In either case, he was honest about his intentions to go to war.

JAMIE LEE BELLAH portrayed Martha – Ms. Bellah created the role of Martha Laurens for the original play, “Radical Son” and continued in the role for the film docudrama. Jamie is a native Charlestonian, has a BA in Theater Performance from Winthrop University and has been a professional actress for 10 years, including working at the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theater in Charleston, South Carolina.  She returned to school to work on an Associate’s Degree in Film Production at Trident Technical College.  She left the US for an opportunity to work abroad in China teaching English.

Dorthea Stock – John’s Friend

On the day before John Laurens went to ambush a British foraging party near Beaufort in August, 1782, he visited Dorthea Stock and her family n their farm. He spent the evening there. When Dorthea realized he had a bad fever, she asked him to stay and get well. He refused and left before down the next morning. It was a mistake.

JAMI HARRIS (SHINE) PORTRAYED DORTHEA

The Marquis DeLafayette – Guilbert Du Motier – French Military Hero

(1757-1834)

As a young man the Marquis became passionate about thinned for people to have liberty and freedom of conscience to the point of leaving his country in 1777 to fight in the American War for Independence and became a key figure in the victory in America. He was an aide to General George Washington and supplied money and troops.  He returned to France after the Battle of Monmouth be returned in 1780 when he was given a high command over American troops and was at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. Years later he name one of his sons, Georges Washington.

MIKE GIBBONS PORTRAYED THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE

 Mike Gibbons is the Director of Development for Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary in Hollywood, South Carolina. Prior to moving to Charleston in 2014, Gibbons was the Executive Director for the Aiken Community Playhouse. Prior to turning to nonprofits, Gibbons was a newspaper editor, reporter and columnist for 15 years. He and his wife have two grown children.

Eileen – Irish Servant, London

Eileen is a fictional character based on a real person in a segment of the Irish population in London at the time poet, Thomas Day read an article in the newspaper about the recent passing in1773 of a black enslaved male servant. He had fallen in love with a white woman in the same house and subsequently was punished by the master. The man was on his way to a chapel to marry the woman when the master and sailors from an American ship intercepted him and sentenced him to be sent to America to be sold. On the dock, man, deeply heart-broken, seized a pistol from a sailor and shot himself.

Thomas Day was moved by the story to co-author, with John Bicknell, a narrative poem, which became popular in the culture, ‘The Dying Negro,” and may have helped pave the way to the abolition of the slave trade years later.

MARGARET NYLAND, portrayed Eileen. Margaret has played leading roles for many theaters in the Charleston area for decades, including Clarence Felder’s modern adaption of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dreamand Lula, the Southern Belle, in The Dayporch, for Actors Theater of South Carolina at Threshold Theater. Her family moved to Charleston from the Washington, D.C., area (Mclean, Virginia), where she had been practicing federal regulatory law. She has three grown children – two who live locally and one living in NYC.  She is currently Assistant Director in the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at the College of Charleston and likes being part of a vibrant college community as well as participating in equestrian sports.

General Charles Lee – Military Traitor & Coward 

In John Laurens War, John became aware of General Charles Lee  was in a cabal of officers plotting against General Washington. Shortly after, in the Battle of Monmouth, John Laurens brought orders to General Charles Lee to advance on the British, but instead he ordered a retreat. Shortly after, John Laurens challenged Lee to a duel. He was later court-martialed. He never returned to the army.

GEORGE PERROTTA PORTRAYED
GENERAL LEE

Mr. Perrotta worked with Actors Theater of South Carolina’s Moving Images Group as an actor, an associate producer, set designer and technical advisor for over 18 years before moving to Texas. He worked on the films, All for Liberty (along with actress daughter), Goering at Nuremberg, Best Times, Waiting on You and John at Patmos. 

General enemies our heroes fought against…

KING GEORGE III

THE BRITISH ARMIES OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH

GENERALS AND THEIR OFFICERS

LOYALIST MILITIAS

EUROPEAN MERCENARIES

“THE KINGS’ MEN”