Reviews
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AWESOME |
WONDERFUL |
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POWERFUL |
OUTSTANDING |
No one in all of the things I've read or seen brought Harriet to life
the way you did. Evelyn Ross Taylor - Grand Niece of Harriet Tubman
Ms. Briley-Strand, it was a thrill for members of the White House Staff
and their family to meet Harriet Tubman "in person" Director of Visitors, White House
Phenomenal performance, Gwendolyn IS Harriet Tubman... she gets into the soul of Harriet and brings us with her. Riveting enactment of Tubman's suffering and transformation of that suffering by turning adversity and abuse into gritty psychological, spiritual and physical strength..... It was one of those "THIS is what it's all about" experiences to have and to share with those we love... our kids, our families, our students... One person that saw both performances told me that it was" a life-changing experience.... that she would Never think about the injustice and inhumanity of our history the same way again."... and that it has given her more incentive to work for social justice.... "coming down into the aisles and amongst the audience to answer questions was fabulous!" "particularly liked the Q and A ... she was so knowledgeable about Harriet Tubman and gave so much more than just the on stage performance..... she was so generous with her time... to talk with us , be with us after the performance"...."the educational display of (Tubman's life) was a wonderful addition... don't miss that part". Again, for me, it was the compelling notion that we can learn something from our personal suffering/trauma and not only heal ourselves but use what we have learned to help others that is the powerful message. A.B. Yarmouth Port, MA
Dear
Mrs. Briley-Strand,
I was privileged and honored to be in your presence during your performance
in Williamsburg, Va. (this afternoon 7/10) I was speechless, very emotional,
proud and more grateful to God to be alive. I don't believe I will ever be
or
think the same about life and freedom again. Most of all, your inspiring
comments after the show will probably ring in my ears forever. Thank you for
that.
Please continue to use the gifts and talents that God has given you (they
are priceless) Your performance was so inspiring that I had to write to let
you know that YOU are very much appreciated. You have so inspired me to
reevaluate and examine my life and all of its challenges in a different
light.
Thank you again.
I am most assured that I will continue to keep abreast of your performances
and make a conscience effort to attend and bring others when possible.
May God continue to bless you and your husband. May HE also prosper you,
keep you in perfect peace, health, lots of joy and most of all under his
protection and in HIS love. In Jesus Name.
A Grateful patron,
D.E.H Williamsburg, VA 7/2004
Ms. Briley-Strand does a fantastic job and she is a nice person! The presentation challenged
the class to write a biography and poems. She makes each child's question seem so
important. Teacher, Reidenbaugh Middle School, Lititz PA 11/2002
Gwendolyn Briley-Strand took us on a magical mystical journey on the Underground Railroad. She
became Harriet Tubman and we became her passengers. Through her skillful presentation, we could
see the sights, smell the smells and sense the hope and determination of the power of one. This
dynamic presentation is a "must-see" for all
Americans who value freedom.
Deborah Bunting, Cultural Heritage Coordinator, Nebraska Arts Council 2/2003
with school very easily. You got the wheels in her brain turning again. It has been a long
time since I've seen her this excited about any educational activity. Parent Springfield IL 3/2000
Mrs. Briley-Strand, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write this e-mail to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance of Harriet Tubman at Millbrook High School on October 29. The audience was mesmerized by your compelling portrayal of Harriet Tubman. I know the students who were able to attend will never forget the reality of the struggles which Harriet faced in order to obtain her freedom as well as the freedom of many other slaves. I was so pleased to hear you say that Harriet had a personal relationship with Jesus to give her strength and courage to accomplish all she was able to do. Keep up the GREAT work. Teacher, Millbrook HS 10/2003
I was waiting to escape on the Underground Railroad. The audience were sitting at the
edge of their seats - spellbound. Advisors Program for Women N.Y.S. Dept of Transportation 11/1999
stay with me. I have always admired Harriett Tubman and you made her come alive for me.
I felt her pain and anguish, as she endured the torments of being a slave. I was in tears
yesterday and again right now, as I think of your portrayal of young Harriet at five years of
age. As deep a moment as that was, it made her joy of feeling freedom that much sharper!
It was truly my pleasure to meet with you personally! I guess I am writing to be sure you
know what an impact your acting has on your audience. What a gift you have and what a
wonderful way of sharing your expertise! Debra C. Library Media Specialist, Pine Grove Junior High
East Syracuse, NY 6/2000
February 23, 2002 for Black History Month. Patrons and staff really enjoyed your Harriet
Tubman: The Chosen One performance. I sat in the back and watched the reactions of the
children and parents. We were all moved and riveted by both your acting and singing abilities.
You drew the biggest audience that we've had for a Storytelling program all year--Last year, too.
It was the best use of our programming dollar in a while. Also, I was happy to see the children
checking out books about Harriet Tubman after your performance. We hope to have you visit
again someday. Youth Services Supervisor, Prince William Public Library System, Prince William, VA
saw your second performance and I don't think that any other school gathering has ever caught
my attention as much as yours. Please come visit us again soon. Smithfield Middle Student 2/2002
evident that the students, faculty and staff who were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed your
fantastic oratorical skills. Most were very impressed with your ability to integrate audience
participation into the performance. I have received a number of requests to bring you back to
campus next year. The success of the program is due entirely to you. You took the audience on
a theatrical ride on the "Underground Railroad". Your ability to engage the audience and
make them part of the performance allowed them to learn without knowing. Not only were they
captivated by your acting skills, but also mesmerized by the excellence in which performed.
You are truly an accomplished artist. Student Development Counselor, Northern Virginia
Community College 2/2002
Tubman. It was really cool that you performed for us. It was like there were 20 actors and
actresses instead of just one - you!. I never knew that Harriet was a spy and nurse in the Union
Army. I really liked how you were sooo dramatic! I hope to meet you again in the future.
Maggie R 2/2003
Tubman. I felt like I learned a lot. The Underground Railroad was really interesting, because I
thought it was a railroad. I like how you play all these people at the same time. I did not know
that Harriet Tubman saved her family. It must have been hard playing all the people. I sang
the song to my parents, they loved it. I was scared when you told us about the woman that
whipped Harriet Tubman. You are the best actress there is on this planet! P.S. I learned a lot
from that show. Matthew K. 2/2003
in the head and had got a bad scar. I also did not know that after she freed all of those slaves
she became a spy for the Union Army. I got a lot of information from your play. Julia 2/2003
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