What is Pursuing Happiness?

I'm slightly addicted to one of the performances at Colonial Williamsburg (CW). It's titled Pursuing Happiness. And if you're reading this while it's actively scheduled, you can click here for the details, including performance dates.

If you're reading this while it's not scheduled, that's ok. Please keep reading.

This program was primarily written by Kurt Smith, who portrays Thomas Jefferson in CW and was primarily edited by Robert Weathers, who portrays George Wythe in CW. Both actor historians are on stage for this one- Mr. Smith as Jefferson and Mr. Weathers as, well, the rest of the characters.

Learn more about Kurt Smith by clicking here and about Robert Weathers by clicking here.

Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

Robert Weathers and Kurt Smith in Pursuing Happiness

The Review.

How did Jefferson come up with the words to the Declaration of Independence? Quite possibly the way all of us come up with the things we create: inspiration and influence. Oh- and experience.

I hope Mr. Smith will be ok with this, but I'm going to quote him on the description of Pursuing Happiness because I agree with it. It's the "4th of July meets A Christmas Carol."

There were clear influencers in Jefferson's life and thoughts. From Jefferson's Williamsburg triumvirate of George Wythe, Dr. Small, and Lt. Governor Francis Fauquier to his father Peter, and of course, philosopher John Locke.

This invention by one of the men who knows Jefferson best, Kurt Smith, is nothing short of superb. To say that the passion, the talent, and the education you experience about the relationship between Jefferson and three men who "visit" him as he's pulling an all-nighter in Philadelphia to complete the Declaration of Independence is moving --- well that'd be 1000% insufficient.

Imagine what (and who) Jefferson was thinking about as he put quill to paper.

Imagine the depth of feeling and fear he felt in attempting to create the case for committing treason. Declaring independence and saying all of the things said about the King... it's undeniable how brave he and the others who signed it truly were.

This performance puts it all into perspective.

And imagine him writing the longest clause--- the anti-slavery clause. Yes, it was in there. Making the flow of the document, which begins with Locke's notion of all men being born free and equal, make sense. (And due to some fantastic CW talent, you see this clause appear on screen!)

But although this show is focused on Jefferson and his writing, Mr. Weathers is vital to the success of this program. One man, four roles... with voice and costume changes- in under 40 minutes.

In short, I couldn't recommend this performance more than I will right here: if you're in Williamsburg, and it's on the schedule, see it. This program will offer you insight into those final moments on the eve of declaring our independence here in the new United States of America.

RELATED: Click here to read my post sharing Jefferson's Williamsburg Triumvirate.

Kurt Smith as Thomas Jefferson in Pursuing Happiness

The Request.

I got the idea to write this post on a whim.

Sitting in the St. George Tucker House this morning, in a small group discussion with Mr. Smith and having seen the program for the fourth time yesterday, it hit me: write something. Because... that's what this blog is for! It began as my way of journaling the a-ha moments and incredible little bits of history I'm finding in my new Free At 50 life in Williamsburg.

So here it is. My request: DIG DEEPER.

Yes, that sometimes means research and going beyond Google. The best history, in my opinion, is found in primary source documents. So I'm dropping a little list for you:

1) My blog post sharing the what, when, and where of primary sources.

2) Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration, which includes the anti-slavery clause removed on motions by South Carolina in Georgia prior to adoption.

3) Jefferson's draft of his proposed Virginia Constitution making slavery GONE from Virginia in the year 1800. Clearly, it was not adopted.

Am I biased on my feelings about Jefferson? Well, that's probably human, isn't it. But that said, I've been working on learning as much as possible because the human element to the men in the portraits, the people they loved, the merchants, the silversmiths, the enslaved... they all fascinate me.

And of course: the more you dig, the more you find. History isn't one-dimensional my friends. There are nuances and even surprises. Dig deeper.

Market Square Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, reconstructed

Closing words from history.

Jefferson's July 8, 1776 letter to Richard Henry Lee- notice he encloses both his draft as well as the final version of the Declaration of Independence. Click here to see the letter with all notes and citations on the Founders Archives. I've been told by another historian that Richard Henry Lee was not in favor of slavery... to me this jibes with Jefferson offering the opportunity to Lee to decide which version is better.

From Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee,

8 July 1776

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.