BeforeThe Cradle Will Rock, beforeWar of the Worlds, beforeCitizen Kanethere wasMarching Song.

At the age of 25 Orson Welles co-wrote, directed, and starred inCitizen Kane, widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. But this was not the first achievement in the young artists career. A few years earlier he terrorized America with his radio broadcast ofWar of the Worlds. And even before he conquered the airwaves, Welles had made a name for himself in New York theatre, with his dynamic stagings of Shakespeare classics and the politically charged musicalThe Cradle Will Rock. But before all of these there wasMarching Songa play about abolitionist John Brownthat Welles had co-written at the age of 17. While attending the Todd School for Boys, Welles collaborated with Roger Hill, the schoolmaster at Todd, to produce this full-length drama.

Marching Song: A Play is a work by one of Americas true geniuses at an early stage of his creative growth. Steeped in historical detail, the play chronicles Browns fight against slavery, his raid on Harpers Ferry, his capture, his conviction for treason, and his execution. In addition to the entire text of the play, this volume features a biographical sketch of Welles and Hillwritten by Hills grandsonduring their days together at Todd.

A fascinating dramatization of a pivotal event in American history, this play also demonstrates Welles burgeoning development as social commentator and an advocate for human rights, particularly on behalf of African Americans. Featuring a foreword by noted Welles biographer, Simon Callow,Marching Song: A Play is an important work by an American icon.

Orson Welles was an internationally recognized actor, director, producer, writer, magician, and political activist whose films included The Magnificent Ambersons,Touch of Evil, andCitizen Kane, considered by many to be the greatest film ever produced.

Roger Hillwas the headmaster of the Todd School for Boys for thirty years. During his tenure, Hill fashioned one of the most progressive educational programs in the country, embracing the philosophy that youngsters were created creators.

Todd Tarbox, grandson of Roger Hill, is an educator and the author ofSee the World,Imagine, andOrson Welles and Roger Hill: A Friendship in Three Acts (2016). He lives in Colorado Springs, CO.