Frederick Douglass Returns to the Newtown Theatre

On February 4, 1864, Frederick Douglass visited Newtown and spoke at Newtown Hall, now known as Newtown Theatre.

On February 4, 2025 – exactly 161 years later – the theatre will welcome nationally acclaimed Frederick Douglass impersonator Darius Wallace to the theatre to deliver “Frederick Douglass! The Lion of Freedom,” a one-man show about the life of America’s greatest abolitionist.

The show begins with Wallace talking about himself and his own journey out of the streets and his childhood struggle with reading. Inspired by his father to read the life stories of great men like Frederick Douglass, his life was transformed. As the show progresses, Wallace transforms into Frederick Douglass.

The show is a journey through Frederick’s life growing up as a slave on the plantation, until the moment he becomes free. Frederick’s freedom began with learning how to read, and he was fascinated with the power of the written and spoken word. Witness Wallace transform into several different characters of influence on Douglass’s life through song, speeches, monologue and poetry. The show ends where it began, with Wallace transforming back into himself.