Above Photo Courtesy of John Moore
As the curtain closes on the premiere run of Jedidiah Blackstone: Origin Story of an Alter Ego and The Untold Tales from the Darkside of the West, we at Emancipation Theater Company are filled with gratitude and a passion-driven vision for what comes next. This production was our reclamation of Colorado history, a retelling of stories too often erased, and a celebration of the resilience and creativity of Black pioneers, dreamers, and freedom fighters that came before us.
Jedidiah’s Impact
The love for this story was undeniable. The feedback we’ve received reminds us that our community is hungry for stories like Jedidiah Blackstone. The response to our work affirms Jedidiah Blackstone as a timely, necessary addition to Colorado’s cultural landscape. By centering the legacies of Black pioneers like Clara Brown, we sparked new dialogue about representation, belonging, and the ways our past continues to shape the present. You can read more about this production in KUVO, Westword, Denver Gazette, and Yellow Scene Magazine.
Join Us in Action
The work doesn’t end when the curtain falls. During the show’s run, audience members were invited to sign a petition calling for the reinstatement and rededication of a monument along Highway 119, honoring Clara Brown, Jeremiah Lee, and Lorenzo Bowman, three pioneers whose labor, vision, and sacrifice helped shape Colorado’s foundation…Black pioneers whose legacies deserve permanent recognition.
==>> Join us! Add your name to the petition here.
Hope for the Future
This premiere was just the beginning. Jedidiah Blackstone has the power to live on stages across Colorado and beyond, inviting diverse audiences to grapple with themes of identity, history, and justice. Together, we can continue lifting up the stories that shape our shared history and inspire future generations. With your continued support, this story will keep riding. Thank you for riding with us.