The high-stakes world of Civil War horse racing is the stage for this riveting drama of slavery and Reconstruction. Both Simon Cato, a smart, cocky “colored” jockey, and his horse, Pure Confidence, are owned by Colonel Wiley Johnson. Cato uses his wits and his championship winnings to buy his and his wife’s freedom. But the Civil War changes everything, and the passage of time doesn’t bring Cato the success he expects in this surprisingly funny, daring and emotionally moving look at the complexity of race, humanity, love and dignity in the second half of the nineteenth century. With a vivid backdrop of fast horses, gritty race tracks and high-stakes betting, Pure Confidence is an extraordinary tale of human triumphs and failings that explores the true meaning of freedom.
Published by Dramatists Play Service
Cast & Crew
first presented at Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 17, 2005
Written by Carlyle Brown
Directed by Clinton Turner Davis
Cast
Gavin Lawrence as Simon Cato
William McNulty as Colonel Wiley Johnson
Kelly Taffe as Caroline
Jane Welch as Mattie Johnson
Larry John Meyers as Dewitt/Clerk
Andy Prosky as Auctioneer/Reporter
Designers
Set design by Paul Owen
Costume design by Lorraine Venberg
Lighting design by Mary Louise Geiger
Sound design by Matt Callahan
Stage manager: Deba Anne Freeman
Pure Confidence was subsequently produced at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 26, 2006:
Written by Carlyle Brown
Directed by Clinton Turner Davis
Cast
Gavin Lawrence as Simon Cato
Greg Thornton as Colonel Wiley Johnson
Kelly Taffe as Caroline
Greta Lambert as Mattie Johnson
Larry John Meyers as Dewitt/Clerk
Ron Riley as Auctioneer/Reporter
Designers
Set design by Michael Fish
Costume design by Alvin Perry
Lighting design by Liz Lee
Sound design by Jake Carter
Stage managers: Meghan C. Gauger and Janice C. Lane