Pete Seeger often talked about the power of song. “The right song at the right time can inspire people to move mountains,” he said.
Pete would probably have loved the labor jazz opera Forgotten: The Murder at the Ford Rouge Plant. With more than twenty songs and a cast of 22 actors, singers, dancers, and musicians, it tells the story of courageous workers in the 1930s who challenged their bosses and risked their lives to build a powerful union movement. Next October, this powerful musical, which premiered in 2004, will return to the stage at Detroit’s Marygrove Theater, inspiring new audiences to take on the challenges we face today.
Under the sponsorship of the Michigan Labor History Society, we also plan a series of educational programs for high school youth centered around Forgotten, with visits to labor history sites and a chance to see the show for free.
Unfortunately, the recent cuts announced by the Trump administration could well impact the grant funding we had hoped for. And so, we are asking our friends and fans of Forgotten to please join in building this important event. You can make a tax-deductible donation at our Go Fund Me site by clicking on the following link:
You can also contribute with a check made out to Michigan Labor History Society (write “Forgotten” on the memo line) and mailing it to MLHS Treasurer John Dick, 1115 Woodlawn Ave., Royal Oak MI 48073). Every donation will help us bring Forgotten back to the stage and create a rich learning experience for a new generation of workers. Thank you for your help.
In solidarity,
Dave Elsila, for the Friends of Forgotten production team
