JH: Mechanics of a Legend

Written, directed and co-produced by Anya Martin as the Founding Artistic Director of Hiawatha Project with scenes by Monteze Freeland

Musical arrangements by Carli Wazenegger

The legend of John Henry, the only African American tall tale character, is not just a myth — he was a real man and the truth of his story is rooted in the dawn of a new nation and the American machine age. His legacy, left to us in song, tells of the mighty railroad man who races a steam drill until his heart bursts, leaving his fabled hammer to his great love, Polly Ann.

“JH: Mechanics of a Legend” melds the language of mechanics, century old ballads and primary historical records to explore the legend of John Henry. A diverse team of artists joins forces with theater making company, Hiawatha Project, to measure the myth, the man, and the machine, revealing a poetic and dangerous truth inside the machinations of history.

World Premiere Production, February 2017, at the August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh PA

2 minute “JH: Mechanics of a Legend” Highlight Reel: