Henry “Box” Brown was an African American born into slavery in 1816 in Louisa County, Virginia. Although he was not subjected to physical violence, Henry’s story (the basis for One Noble Journey) demonstrates the cruelty of slavery was every bit as devastating to the heart as it could be to the body. After his family was torn apart and parceled out to various beneficiaries of the estate, Henry devised an ingenious escape plan – sealing himself in a wooden box for shipment to friends and freedom in Philadelphia.
“Wiley’s utterly astounding work most often splits my heart open. Then it heals it — but requests to leave little scars. And it’s the scars that enable a bit more stretch, a bit more understanding, a bit more light.”
One Noble Journey also recounts the daring and miraculous quest for freedom of Elizabeth Craft and her husband William, who was born into slavery in Georgia. Ellen Craft, who was very light-skinned, disguised herself as a sickly white gentleman traveling to Philadelphia for medical treatment. Ellen and William, who acted as her slave throughout the journey, bravely traveled on public trains and steamers as they made their way up the eastern seaboard to Philadelphia. Eventually, they were forced to sail for England after the Fugitive Slave Law enabled slave hunters to pursue them even in free states.
About Mike Wiley: Acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley has spent the last decade fulfilling his mission to bring educational theatre to young audiences and communities across the country. In the early days of his career, Wiley found few theatrical resources to shine a light on key events and figures in African-American history. To bring these stories to life, he started his own production company. Through his performances, Wiley has introduced countless students and communities to the legacies of Emmett Till, Henry “Box” Brown, and more.