When the Rattlesnake Sounds

Harriet Tubman spent her childhood as a slave and her adult life as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, freeing slaves.

Alice Childress has written a play about one summer in Harriet's life when she worked as a hotel laundress to raise money for the abolitionist cause. Even though a forty-thousand-dollar reward is offered for Harriet, she finds the strength to help Lennie and Celia, who work with her, confront their fears.

The suffering and pain Harriet has endured all her life, her unwavering belief in God, and her guiding strength are vividly portrayed at that time of great change. Alice Childress has written a poignant, inspiring play about human courage and commitment, which now has even more meaning for all of us.