play synopsis
Freetown Village Celebrates Christmas was conceptualized and written by Ophelia Wellington and Crystal V. Rhodes. It is based on the original production, An 1870 Christmas, and research about the lives of free people and former slaves as they migrated into Indiana. In this production we experience a simpler time when families gathered to share stories and learn about the birth of Christ. In the middle 1800s Christmas was observed as a holy day. Many people did not acknowledge any special rituals for Christmas. Gift giving may have been limited to one handmade item or a piece of fruit or candy. People were very happy to receive anything. The decorating of Christmas trees and sending Christmas cards were new traditions in our country that were eagerly embraced by some and looked on with disdain by others.
SETTING:
The community of Freetown Village, Indiana in December 1870.
Scene 1: Christmas Program Committee Meeting
Brief intermission
Scene 2. Christmas morning at the Freetown Village Church
post show SURVEY
Thank you for joining us for today’s performance! Could you please take a moment (seriously, just a few quick questions!) to share some feedback with us?
CAST OF fREETOWN VILLAGE CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
ALICIA SIMS (director)
Alicia “The UnCuT Diamond” Sims is a multidisciplinary artist whose talents span vocals, performing arts, creative writing, and visual arts. Known for presenting raw and authentic work, she has starred in productions including Snatched (Madam Walker Theatre), Stoops (Theater at the Fort), Fly Babies (Buck Creek Players), Your Love Will Be Judged (Onyxfest/IndyFringe), and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (NAATC). This marks her second time directing with Freetown Village.
KEA BIVEN-WILLIAMS (MOTHER ENDURA)
Kea Biven‑Williams has been singing since the age of three, delighting family and friends with her talent. As an adult, she has graced the stage and appeared in films, performing in works by Eric Washington, Stepp Stewart, Sophie Sophia, DP Demarco, Alicia Sims, Ronni Watts, and with Asante Children’s Theater. Now joining Blacklight, Kea is thrilled to be part of Freetown Village Celebrates Christmas.
NIA CLARK (REBECCA CUFFEE)
anthony kinartail (jacob CUFFEE)
quinton hayden (isaiah cuffee)
Born and raised in Indiana, Quinton discovered his passion for acting at a young age. His stage career gained momentum in 2022 with a role in Dreamgirls, and since then he has appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television series throughout Indianapolis. With his sights set on the “Big Screen,” Quinton aspires to work alongside legendary actors such as Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and Michael B. Jordan.
ELLEN LANE
A native of Indianapolis and daughter of musical parents Ida and Lancaster Price, Ellen is a retired educator with over 36 years in elementary education and an additional 12 years in other educational roles. On stage, she has recently portrayed poet and activist Mari Evans in Black Is My Color, Thelma in the Grandmothers Inc./Maydwell film The Funeral, and Madam C.J. Walker in the 2025 IndyFringe production Work of Their Own.
AYSHAH MATTHEWS (SARAH ELIZABETH cuffee)
A local actor, director, and writer, Ayshah is passionate about storytelling and brings a unique touch to every role she portrays. Her theater credits include The Art of Theater (IndyFringe Festival), The Walker Building and Luck Finds Love (Black Light Training and Development), What Happened to Love (Eric Washington), and This Woman’s Worth (Ronni Watts). She looks forward to continuing her journey as an actor, director, and playwright in future productions.
TIMOTHY T. REED (rev. samuel p. strong)
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Tim is also a seasoned performer who has graced venues across Indiana. For nearly 40 years, he has brought to life multiple characters at Freetown Village, delighting audiences with his signature comic delivery. A graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, Tim extends heartfelt thanks to his parents for instilling in him the drive to conceive and achieve his goals.
RODRE ROBINSON (DK)
JAMES WASHINGTON (GUINEA BLUE FARNSWORTH)
JANICE BRUEN, TINA HARRIS, FAYE HOLMES, SANDY LOMAX, (NARRATORS, CHOIR MEMBERS)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Stanley Dumornay - Executive Director
Marriam A. Umar - Program Director
Ophelia Wellington - Founding Director Emeritus
Ennis Adams Jr. - Assistant Director
Scott Gibbons - Sound/Light Technician
Teyona Graves - Stagehand
SPECIAL THANKS!
Broadway United Methodist Church
Megan Wiegand, Butler University Costume Department
FREETOWN VILLAGE CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS is presented with the support of the following:
JOIN THE LIST OF SUPPORTERS OF FREETOWN VILLAGE!
post show SURVEY
Thank you for joining us for today’s performance! Could you please take a moment (seriously, just a few quick questions!) to share some feedback with us?
UPCOMING EVENTS
We hope to see you again soon - click here to see our upcoming programs and events!