"The Immigrants Speak" - and very eloquently, too!

On Saturday night, The Annie hosted a great performance called “The Immigrants Speak”. It is a part of Jacqueline Cooper’s project titled “Follow the Thread”, which focuses on “America’s Jewish immigrants and the birth of the garment industry.”

The presentation combined period photos projected on a screen, with live actors narrating in first person the experiences of early 20th century immigrants and workers in the garment industry.   Also part of this project was the Vintage Fashion Show held at The Annie back on May 20, the community workshop presentation “Gloucester Garment Industry” held at the Cape Ann Museum on June 8, and the ongoing FIT Exhibit at the Sawyer Free Library (May 18 – June 30).

Here are a few photos from Saturday night’s performance.

Charlie Wright as Morris the Peddler

Full cast with creator Jacqueline Cooper

Marisca Pichette as Rebecca in Steerage

Mourning the victims of the factory fire

Piper Pichette as Sarah the Stitcher

Reba-Jean Shaw-Pichette as Rose Schneiderman

Singing “Bread and Roses”

The performances were really enthralling. Kudos to all those involved!

“Follow the Thread” in Gloucester is hosted by the Sawyer Free Library. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, and supported in part by grants from the Cultural Councils of Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport, and Mass Humanities.