Sarita Lilly performs as Hannah, an enslaved woman, in a solo that transforms a whispered song into a declaration of freedom. She recounts her mother's warnings and the horrors of slavery, using music as her voice against silence and oppression.
Story of an unlikely friendship between Hannah, an African-American slave, and Eleanor, a white Southern woman. Their friendship alters the course of both of their lives as they navigate the troubled waters of a deeply divided country. After years of hiding in the shadows, Hannah finally decides to stand up and speak her mind rather than be thrown out of an Irish pub. And I'd like to welcome to the stage to perform the role of Hannah, Sarita Lilly.
In the days of darkness, when I was still a slave, my mama said, don't question. Or you'll meet an early grave. Save your voice for heaven if you want to survive. Keep your thoughts inside if you want to stay alive. But I've got words. I've got music that I've kept inside so long. Bound inside my heart and soul is a mighty silent song. Have you been held in shackles? Have you been bought and sold? Have you seen a child beaten? Who's barely 5 years old. Like Joshua in Jericho, my song behind the wall. If I blow my trumpet, you just watch it fall. Every thought I ever had, a whisper, not a shout. Time to open up the gates and let my music out. Hear my words, hear my music. I won't hide outside the door. I won't leave my words unspoken. I am free. A slave no more. No master tells me who to be. Listen, for there's no more silence on for me.
TikTok Mental Health Awareness Month Video from The Magicians' Society of Manhattan | TA Spring 2022
