About

"Seeds of Knowledge" is a 90-minute theatrical journey following four women across three and a half centuries (1619-1968). This performance explores how knowledge, wisdom, and resilience were preserved and transmitted across centuries despite laws and hardships.

The Four Women
• A woman born in Angola and brought to Jamestown (1619): Now in her 60s, reflecting on 40+ years since being kidnapped as a child from the joy and love of her family and brought to Virginia. She represents the "planting" - the foundational seeds of African wisdom and strength.
• 18th Century Free Grandmother: A formerly enslaved woman reflecting on the complex journey of raising children across changing circumstances, teaching them to navigate between different worlds. She represents the "watering" - nurturing seeds through uncertainty and transition.
• 19th Century Teacher (1890s): Reflecting on 25 years of teaching newly freed children, transforming whispered wisdom into formal education. She represents the early "growth" - knowledge taking root in freedom.
• 20th Century Cleaning Woman (1968): Witnessing the first three African American women who integrated William & Mary College while she is cleaning their dormitories. She represents the "harvest" - seeds grown into mighty trees.

Performed by Valarie Holmes drawing from scripts she developed and refined over 20 years of individual character performances.