The Ground On Which We Stand

The Ground On Which We Stand

The Ground on Which We Stand is a multi-writer, site-specific performance exploring the history and impact of The James Howe House from 1780 to the present day. The Howe House is the first property in the Township of Montclair to be owned by an African American and formerly enslaved person, and has been the site of much current controversy.

James Howe became the owner of 369 Claremont Avenue when his former enslaver, Nathanial Crane, died in the 1830s. Howe was manumitted in 1817, and Crane’s 1931 will deeded him the property. You can learn more here.

The house was unlandmarked and came up for sale this past fall. A dramatic community controversy ensued about the appropriate legacy of the space, and it was purchased at the 11th hour by a community organization dedicated to its preservation. You can read more about the history of the Howe House here.

Written by Turron Kofi Alleyne, Jenny Lyn Bader, Sakinah Hofler, Stephen Kaplan, Kyle Mazer, Kathleen McGhee-Anderson, Diane Polledri, Martine Sainvil, TyLie Shider, Mo Schlick, Melissa Toomey, and Richard Wesley.

Conceived and Directed by Ari Laura Kreith

Developed at Luna Stage in collaboration with Crossroads Theatre

This project is supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the New Jersey Historical Society, The Montclair Foundation, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and the Suzzanne Douglas Memorial Commissioning Fund.