Geneva, N.Y.: From Beyond: Geneva's Unheard Voices is a theatrical walking tour scripted and produced by students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in collaboration with Historic Geneva. Performances will be held Friday and Saturday, September 24 and 25 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This is the third version of the From Beyond series by Historic Geneva and the first to focus solely on the African-American community. During the summer of 2021, HWS Theatre students Anthony Bray ‘23, Samari Brown ‘24, Sal Fabio ‘22, and Christina Roc ‘24 conducted archival research on the history of African Americans in Geneva. They then translated the stories of these un- and under-represented figures into a series of monologues and short scenes. These pieces will be performed outdoors, in downtown Geneva, by HWS and community actors. The production is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth. 

Beginning at 5:30 pm, audience groups of 10-15 people will depart every 15 minutes from the Seneca Street parking lot (behind Stomping Grounds). Groups will leave promptly, and late arrivals will forfeit their time slot. Each group will be accompanied by two actors portraying tour guides. The performance lasts about one hour, and groups will walk approximately two blocks. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at historicgeneva.org. Tickets are free for all students (K-12 and college), but must be reserved in advance. Advance ticket sales will close at noon on each performance day. A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available on performance nights. All proceeds benefit Historic Geneva.

Actors and production staff will be masked for the duration of the performance. Audience members are strongly encouraged to wear masks while on the tour. For those unable to attend in person, there will also be a livestream of the performance each evening at 6:00 p.m. through the HWS Theatre Facebook page. Please check facebook.com/hwstheatre for the most up-to-date information on the production, including COVID-19 safety protocols.

Historic Geneva, formerly the Geneva Historical Society, tells the stories of Geneva, New York at the Geneva History Museum, Rose Hill Mansion, and Johnston House, and online at historicgeneva.org.