Performance    Reviews
Phenomenal performance, Gwendolyn IS Harriet Tubman... she gets into the soul of Harriet and brings us with her.    Riveting  enactment  of Tubman's suffering and transformation of that suffering  by turning  adversity and abuse  into gritty psychological, spiritual  and physical strength.....  It was one of those "THIS is what it's all about"  experiences to have and to  share with those we love... our kids, our families, our students...  One person that saw both performances told me that it was" a life-changing experience.... that she would Never think about the injustice and inhumanity of our history the same way again."... and that it has given her more incentive to work for social justice.... "coming down into the aisles and amongst the audience to answer questions was fabulous!"  "particularly liked the Q and A ... she was so knowledgeable about Harriet Tubman and gave so much more than just the on stage performance..... she was so generous with her time... to talk with us , be with us after the performance"...."the educational display of (Tubman's life) was a wonderful addition... don't miss that part".  Again, for me, it was the compelling notion that we can learn something from our personal suffering/trauma and not only heal ourselves but use what we have learned to help others that is the powerful message.    A.B.  Yarmouth Port, MA

Dear Mrs. Briley-Strand,
I was privileged and honored to be in your presence during your performance in Williamsburg, Va. (this afternoon 7/10) I was speechless, very emotional, proud and more grateful to God to be alive. I don't believe I will ever be or think the same about life and freedom again. Most of all, your inspiring 
comments after the show will probably ring in my ears forever. Thank you for that. Please continue to use the gifts and talents that God has given you (they are priceless) Your performance was so inspiring that I had to write to let you know that YOU are very much appreciated. You have so inspired me to
reevaluate and examine my life and all of its challenges in a different light.
Thank you again.
I am most assured that I will continue to keep abreast of your performances and make a conscience effort to attend and bring others when possible. May God continue to bless you and your husband. May HE also prosper you, keep you in perfect peace, health, lots of joy and most of all under his
protection and in HIS love. In Jesus Name.
A Grateful patron.                     D.E.H Williamsburg, VA 7/2004
 I just wanted to let you know once again how much I enjoyed that performance of Harriet Tubman at Clinton Christian School today.   I have heard many good reports from teachers, parents, and students.   Listening to you speak, I just wanted you to know that although you never expressed believing in Christ yourself, your light shone through.   One comment I made to my principal was "I wonder if she was a Christian based on things she said."   After I read your information on seethefruits.com, I had my answer.                                  Miss Hillman - Clinton Christian School - February 2003
Ms. Briley-Strand does a fantastic job and she is a nice person!  The presentation challenged the class to write a biography and poems.  She makes each child's question seem so important.                       Teacher, Reidenbaugh Middle School, Lititz PA.
Mrs. Briley-Strand, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write this e-mail to tell you how much I enjoyed your performance of Harriet Tubman at Millbrook High School on October 29.  The audience was mesmerized by your compelling portrayal of Harriet Tubman.  I know the students who were able to attend will never forget the reality of the struggles which Harriet faced in order to obtain her freedom as well as the freedom of many other slaves.  I was so pleased to hear you say that Harriet had a personal relationship with Jesus to give her strength and courage to accomplish all she was able to do.  Keep up the GREAT work.    Teacher, Millbrook HS   10/2003
You recently performed for us at Providence Elementary School.  Thank you for sharing your gift. 

Teacher Providence Elementary, VA Beach      3/7/1999

 Thank you so much.  Your extraordinary ability to create character, your glorious voice, and your passion are gifts I felt honored to receive.

Teacher St. Anne's Belfield School, Charlottesville, VA 2/1/1999

 I wanted to say thank you for your inspirational performance.  My child becomes bored with school very easily.  You got the wheels in her brain turning again.  It has been a long time since I've seen her this excited about any educational activity.

Parent     Springfield IL   3/27/2000

 Dear Ms. Briley-Strand, I loved your performance it is so cool how you can be so many different characters in one play.  Your acting is excellent, it really made me feel like I was a runaway slave.

Sincerely

Katie Q, 6th grade student, Norfolk VA 2/26/1999

 Excellent performance, marvelous performer.  Most awesome Multicultural program.

 

Middle School Administrator, Glen Burnie, MD 2/15/2000 

Thanks for coming to Peterboro and bringing Harriet alive again. People said how much they enjoyed the play.

Linda J.  Peterboro N.Y. 6/26/1998

 

 My husband and I really enjoyed your performance of Harriet Tubman on Sunday. The play was thought provoking and also helped the younger generation gain a better appreciation for the cruelty and inhumanity of slavery....Bravo!!! God Bless You.

 Dr. W.H.             Ft. Washington MD. 2/15/2000

Hi  My name is Allye.  I am a 5th grade student. I am pretty sure that you came to my school and performed "The Chosen One" today.  I just want to tell you that the play was great and I think it is really neat and cool how you can change characters.  You are very talented! 

Allye  5th Grade Student, Jessup MD 3/1/2000

 One of the best assemblies we have ever experienced.  The performance was excellent and was made more meaningful by the post-performance discussion.

PTO Assembly Coordinator, Kennett Square PA. 3/4/1999

 WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW

I heard you were good but you blew us all away.  I felt like I was waiting to escape on the Underground Railroad.  The audience were sitting at the edge of their seats - spellbound.

Advisors Program for Women N.Y.S. Dept of Transportation    11/26/1999
Dear Ms. Briley-Strand,
Your performance yesterday at Pine Grove Junior High School will always stay with me.  I have always admired Harriett Tubman and you made her come alive for me.  I felt her pain and anguish, as she endured the torments of being a slave.  I was in tears yesterday and again right now, as I think of your portrayal of young Harriet at five years of age.  As deep a moment as that was, it made her joy of feeling freedom that much sharper!  It was truly my pleasure to meet with you personally!   I guess I am writing to be sure you know what an impact your acting has on your audience.  What a gift you have and what a wonderful way of sharing your expertise!
Debra C.
Library Media Specialist, Pine Grove Junior High, East Syracuse, NY  6/2/2000
Dear Ms. Strand,
Thank you for bringing your gift to Potomac Community Library on February 23, 2002 for Black History Month.  Patrons and staff really enjoyed your Harriet Tubman: The Chosen One performance.

I sat in the back and watched the reactions of the children and parents.  We were all moved and riveted by both your acting and singing abilities.  You drew the biggest audience that we've had for a Storytelling program all year--Last year, too.  It was the best use of our programming dollar in a while.  Also, I was happy to see the children checking out books about Harriet Tubman after your performance.

We hope to have you visit again someday.

Youth Services Supervisor, Prince William Public Library System, Prince William, VA 22192
Dear Ms. Briley-Strand,
I really enjoyed your performance last week at Smithfield Middle School.  I saw your second performance and I don't think that any other school gathering has ever caught my attention as much as yours. Please come visit us again soon.
 
  February 7, 2002  -Smithfield Middle Student
Hello,  I just would like to inform you, that your performance at Meade Middle School, was spectacular.  You have a wonderful voice, and you made me cry with the way you played Harriet Tubman.    3/13/02   A fan

 

 

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