Couriers and Contrabands

by Victor Lesniewski

1864. Petersburg, Virginia. As the Civil War rages on, Confederate operatives in control of a courier line work to gather information on the Union's efforts. Little do they know that they themselves are being watched by a contraband masquerading as a slave who acts in the interest of the North. Couriers and Contrabands is an intriguing spy thriller about the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

1864. Petersburg, Virginia. As the Civil War rages on, Confederate operatives in control of a courier line work to gather information on the Union's efforts. Little do they know that they themselves are being watched by a contraband masquerading as a slave who acts in the interest of the North. Couriers and Contrabands is an intriguing spy thriller about the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

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Couriers and Contrabands

Recommended by

  • Kareem Fahmy: Couriers and Contrabands by Victor Lesniewski
    “

    This is a play that examines the American Civil War from an entirely new angle, illuminating how women and freed slaves acted as spies during the war. It's a crackling thriller, full of humor and memorable relationships, and has a devastating climax.

    This is a play that examines the American Civil War from an entirely new angle, illuminating how women and freed slaves acted as spies during the war. It's a crackling thriller, full of humor and memorable relationships, and has a devastating climax.

    ”
  • Meridith Friedman: Couriers and Contrabands by Victor Lesniewski
    “

    I had the pleasure of seeing a production of "Couriers and Contrabands" in New York, and it is such a smart and compelling look into a part of history that is rarely dramatized. Victor crafts a riveting, forward-moving story that, while set in the past, reverberates in the present.

    I had the pleasure of seeing a production of "Couriers and Contrabands" in New York, and it is such a smart and compelling look into a part of history that is rarely dramatized. Victor crafts a riveting, forward-moving story that, while set in the past, reverberates in the present.

    ”

Development History

  • Workshop, New York Theatre Workshop, 2012

Production History

  • Professional, TBG Theatre, NYC, 2015

Awards

  • Artists of Choice Grant
    Kevin Spacey Foundation
    Finalist
    2015
  • Critic Howard Miller's Best of Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway List for the Year 2015