Hubbard Hall’s ‘Tarnation’ revives centuries-old mystery
CAMBRIDGE, N.Y. » “The Tarnation of Russell Colvin” is the true story of a resident of Manchester, Vt., who in 1812 was likely murdered. It wasn’t until his ghost started appearing in 1819 that the citizens of the village decided the missing man -- an outsider in his own community -- deserved justice.
The suspected murderers (Colvin’s two brothersin-law) were tried, found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. In a unique twist, a very much alive Colvin appears at the 11th hour to save the lives of the condemned men.
But is it really Colvin who appears? According to Oliver Wadsworth, the creator of the piece and the actor who plays more than a dozen characters in this one-man show, there has been a lot of speculation that the man who showed up to save the lives of the convicted men was an imposter hired by Colvin’s murderers.
This is the basis for “The Tarnation of Russell Colvin” that plays at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, weekends through Jan. 28.
In a recent interview, Wadsworth said, “One of the most striking things about a tale filled with remarkable facts is that the event which was infamous 200 years ago has been lost. Here we have this fascinating story about either justice delayed or justice thwarted that’s been all but forgotten. Almost no one knows about this great mystery that took place in our own back yard.”
He says the work will inform audiences about the lives of people who lived in a rural community in the early-1800s, but it will also remind contemporary audiences about the less-positive issues of justice that still exist today.
“The truth is no one cared about Russell Colvin’s murder because he was different. He was mentally impaired, and as such he was stigmatized as ‘ the village idiot.’ Too, he had several children that he could not support and was becoming a burden to society. In other words, he was a social outcast who was not worthy of justice.”
He pauses and asks, “How different is that to modern society denying justice to the differentially disabled, the racially diverse, or those questioning their gender differences? Things haven’t changed that much in 200 years.”
He adds that the play contains issues of “hucksterism.” “How relevant is that to today’s world?”, he asks with a rueful tone in his voice.
However, Wadsworth insists the theater piece is not a condemnation of rural life in another century. To the contrary, he believes that his research shows a degree of sophistication that few understand about the community of early Manchester.
“It’s kind of coincidental, but during the seven years that Colvin disappeared, Manchester Village transformed like no other period in its history. At the time, Vermont had a negative reputation for being a haven for ne’er do wells. It was as if some people made a decision for Manchester Village to become a high end resort community that would attract visitors. With that decision, community leaders seemed to say, “We can’t be rude anymore.”
Speaking in today’s terms, he adds, “They realized they certainly could not let the murder of people who might be on the spectrum go unpunished,”
To make clear the progressive nature of the town, he points out that at the time Manchester was the first community in the country to have a Black minister head an all-white congregation. That man, Lemuel Haynes, is in the play.
Wadsworth explains that the format of the play uses the central figures and various townspeople who give their insights as to what happened. “They each believe they speak the truth and I approach their testimony the same way. It’s kind of a ‘ Rashamon’ approach to telling the story. Ultimately the audience will determine the truth for themselves.”
“The Tarnation of Russell Colvin” is at Hubbard Hall, Cambridge. Performances are Fridays through Sundays, Jan. 19-28. For tickets and schedule information, call (518) 677-2495.