In honor of Black History Month, which begins Feb. 1, the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (SBMM) will present two showings of “Keeping the Light: The Story of the Bravery, Heroism and Courage of African American Lighthouse Keepers and Lifesaving Service” as told by Harriet Tubman, portrayed by actor, director and producer Christine Dixon.
There will be two performances on Wednesday, Feb. 1; the first from 3:30-5:30 p.m. is designed for children, and the second, 7-9 p.m., is for adults.
Both shows will tell the stories of African American lighthouse keepers, as well as explore Tubman’s own history and that of Captain Richard Etheridge, who became the first African American to command a United States Life Saving station in 1880.
Following each performance there will be time for questions. Cost to attend is $35 for museum members; $50 for general admission. Buy tickets at https://sbmm.org/santa-barbara-event/. Become a member at https://sbmm.org.
“This is an important program for several reasons,” said Greg Gorga, SBMM executive director. “First and foremost, it fits with the museum’s goals of educating and engaging the community and celebrating the history and cultural diversity of coastal California.
“Not only does it kick off the start of Black History month, but it also coincides with the 167th anniversary of the lighting of the Pt. Conception Lighthouse lens on Feb. 1, 1856.”
Dixon is an award-winning actress best known for portraying Tubman in the short film “Era,” and in one-woman dramatic performances.
For the last 10 years, Dixon has been booking, directing and portraying Tubman in what was supposed to be a four-contract performance of the one-woman show “Harriet Tubman Herself.”
The original concept for the show was developed by Hollywood book and theater critic Morna Murphy Martell, the songs were composed by Ralph Martell, and the original costume was created by the late designer and hair stylist Keith Benedict.
That initial limited run has continued for 10-plus years and more than 690 performances across 200 cities, 28 states, two countries, and one national park, garnering Dixon numerous awards along the way.
Dixon’s shows have had her portraying Tubman at various stages in her life, and include her singing many well-known spirituals associated with the Underground Railroad.
With regard to taking on the persona of Tubman, Dixon has said, “Physically, I feel like I become her during the show. Her great grandnieces tell me that it’s like I am channeling her.”
The 3 p.m. performance at SBMM also has a special significance for Dixon as it will be her 700th performance.
Now a member of SAG-AFTRA, the New York Women in Film & TV, the Television Academy, and African American Women in Cinema, Dixon has won 15 awards, including the New York Women in Film and TV’’s Best Actress of 2020 for her portrayal of Tubman, the National Council of Negro Women award, the City Artist Corps Award, and the Harriet Tubman Legacy Award.
The SBMM performances of “Keeping the Light: The Story of the Bravery, Heroism and Courage of African American Lighthouse Keepers and Lifesaving Service” were made possible by the support of Donna Weinstein, George H. and Olive J. Griffiths Charitable Foundation, and Rita Serotkin.