The Beginning of my Journey with ROSE FORTUNE

     "In the summer of 2014, I visited the Nova Scotia town of Annapolis Royal, beginning a much needed vacation. On the first night of my arrival, during a candlelight graveyard tour given by historian Alan Melanson, I found myself standing before an unmarked grave, learning about the most unforgettable woman I have ever encountered, Black Loyalist Rose Fortune.

     It changed my life forever.

     As I departed Garrison Cemetery, I realized I was no longer on vacation, but on a mission to see Rose's name etched upon a memorial dedicated to her remarkable life, and to bring the story of that life to the world.

     I began writing the play FORTUNE immediately, and by the following summer it was presented for a week at the MITF Summer Theater Festival in NYC to packed houses and standing ovations. In 2017 I was back in Annapolis Royal for a July 1 unveiling of a monument bench in tribute to Rose, and a dediction of a new ferry from St. John to Digby christined the Fundy Rose, dedicated to Rose's memory and her historical significance.

      Then, several years ago, I decided  to create a solo version of the full ensemble play, which takes on a more intimate, distintive  character of its own, entitling it ROSE FORTUNE - A Free Person of Character. 

     I urge you to read either FORTUNE, or its solo counterpart, discover this remarkable woman for yourself, then bring either presentation of her story to your audiences. It's a story of the ages, for ALL ages."

-GCG