Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Parish of Christ the Redeemer. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

The Diocese of New York’s Reparations Committee will present “A New York Lamentation,” a play about slavery in New York and the diocese’s role in it.

“A New York Lamentation” brings to life historical characters from within the Diocese whose lives were shaped  by our involvement in the history of slavery.  Written by the Rev. Chuck Kramer, former rector of St James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park and directed/ dramaturge  Jeannine Otis of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery. The piece focuses on telling the story of those in our immediate NY  area who were enslaved, those who fought for abolition, and those who justified the practice.

The content of “A New York Lamentation” consists primarily of a series of monologues accompanied with music. Each character tells how their story and related actions impacted our part of New York State. The prologue and Epilogue are written by Bettina Wilkerson aka  “Poet Gold “

Poet Gold is an activist/ educator and Poet  Laureate of Dutchess County 2017-2018.  The play features a gifted troupe of  professional actors and musicians from across New York’s theatrical world.

“A NEW YORK LAMENTATION” was originally presented during the  Year of Lamentation sponsored by the Diocese of New York  in collaboration with  the Reparations Committee.

This piece is a reminder of the on-going commitment the Episcopal Diocese of New York via the Reparations Commission has to building and sustaining Dr. King’s idea of the Beloved Community.

The presentation of this piece embodies psychological reparations, an important  step in the process of moving forward. The piece acknowledges the role the Episcopal Church in New York played  in perpetuating the enslavement of men, women and children.

“A New York Lamentation” will once again be featured by the Diocese of New York. It will be performed at the Parish of Christ the Redeemer on the following date and time:

3:00 PM Saturday, December 7th

Parish of Christ the Redeemer

1415 Pelhamdale Ave, Pelham, NY 10803

There is no fee for admission to the play, but freewill offerings will be accepted.