The Postman an Appledore Production

Check us out at the postman walks The Postman is a multi-disciplinary, site-specific, promenade-style work that explores the life and times of Albert Jackson, Toronto’s first African-American postman, through theatre and music. The play will take place in short sections along a route that echoes Mr. Jackson’s original delivery route in the lower Annex neighbourhood (Brunswick Ave, Harbord St, Bloor St. and Palmerston Ave). The plot will follow 12 stages of Mr. Jackson’s life from porch to porch– concentrating on his journey from slavery with his family along the Underground Railroad to his appointment in the postal service and the many challenges he faced as an African-Canadian in his professional and personal life.

Mr. Albert Jackson (1856-1918) was born in Miliford, Delaware to John and Anne Maria Jackson, a couple who worked on a large plantation. The youngest of nine children, Albert was barely three years old when his two eldest siblings were sold to another master in 1858. Shortly after, John Jackson dies – presumably of a broken heart. Left to fend for herself and her family alone, Anne Maria decides to escape the plantation and make the treacherous trip to freedom. A difficult journey at the best of times, Anne Maria along with her remaining seven children, faces the prospect of capture, separation, starvation and death. Despite the odds being firmly against her, Anne Maria collects her brood and heads North. Albert is still a toddler and his eldest sibling is about 16. Miraculously managing to avoid the slave catchers, Anne Maria reaches Pennsylvania with her family through the help of some agents of the Underground Railroad. The Jackson’s continued their journey Railroad by travelling the nearly 400 kilometre journey all the way to St. Catherine’s, Ontario and freedom.

Your support will go towards production costs including paying actors, costumes and logistical costs such as permits,   We thank you in advance for your support, please share this campaign with your friends and family!  

Help us make the story of Albert Jackson and our theatre piece called The Postman, a piece that will be around for generations to come.

Check us out at: thepostmanwalks.wordpress.com