TEETH

TEETH is a dance and theater work that takes a classroom of young students on a journey to explore their identities, experiences, and roles in shaping the United States of America during its quest for independence at the end of the 18th century.

During their Curriculum Study Unit on George Washington, Ona, William, Giles, and Margaret are visited by a Griot Tooth Fairy. They are transported in time where they see their connections to the Battle of Trenton, the various communities within the 13 colonies, as well as their close relationships with Martha and George Washington. As the first student loses his loose tooth, the Griot Tooth Fairy says…

Within these molars lie the history
Of those who created this story
There will be no chapters written about them
No selfies on coins
No statues carved from the earth
No documentation of their birth
But their spirit will be felt
Through their heart-felt speech
A bond despite the bonds
A connection through teeth

These children embody their past as former enslaved members on Mount Vernon, but more importantly see their past selves as humans who achieved greatness in building community despite their enslavement. Giles, one of the few people who traveled all 13 colonies, helped keep families connected, William Lee, crossed the Delaware to help win the war, Ona Judge, defied her enslavers, (The Washingtons) escaping bondage to start a new life.

The voices of these particular people and so many others are heard within Washington’s many speeches. Their teeth were purchased and fashioned as dentures for Washington so that he could deliver addresses to the nation. This story focuses on their impact on our democracy.