Davenport hosts ‘Stranger Than Fiction’

Photos courtesy of the Isaiah Davenport House Museum

In the spirit of October’s mood for the spooky and the unknown, the Davenport House Museum is doing a special kind of performance exhibition. “Stranger Than Fiction” is a 90-minute tour, with full-costumed staff and volunteers taking roles of some Savannahresident’s encounters with the terrifying in 1828.

Terrifying for the times, at least. A drop of vinegar under a microscope might not be material for today’s blockbuster horror, but as portrayed by Mary Mcarthy and Renick Hall, this “Monster Soup” was enough to bring spine-chilling goosebumps to 19th century locals.

“Insects, snakes, deformed eels… hundreds of disgusting creatures,” said Hall, playing her part as Katherine, a young girl that had just seen the invisible for the first time.

Daunting of an experience as it was for them, morbid interest was thrilling enough for these popular attractions to reach the city of Savannah. The tour takes you through a reenactment of the otherworldly, and how it was experienced by locals of the time: from Phantasmagoria and Frankenstein, to Dr. Mesmer’s discovery of “animal magnetism” — commonly known today as hypnotism.

The audience was separated into three groups, and the actors took turns in interacting and performing with the groups through the historically restored rooms of the Davenport House.

“I see you brought your congregation,” said Jeff Freeman as the Reverend, gesturing at the audience. “Or is it your choir?”

The tour even included hints of humor here and there, with old-fashioned puns and antiquated idioms mixed in.

“So you are afraid of witches?” Asked Amir Jamal Toure, one of the main performers — an expert in Gullah culture and African American History — pointing to a lady in the audience. “Well, just sprinkle a circle of salt outside your house and if any witch dares come near she will dissolve like a slug!”

“I write my part,” said Toure whoalso teaches Africana Studies at Savannah State University and is a living history interpreter. “African culture is an integral part of Savannah’s history; I try to bring the African standpoint and put it out there.”

“I’ve been working with them [Davenport Museum] for 12 years now, and I keep coming back for a reason. They do outstanding work here,” said Toure.

“We’ve really tapped out to our audience over the years,” said director Jamie Credle who performed as Mrs. Davenport this year.

“We do substantial and thorough research. We try to ask ourselves what they [1820 Savannahians] would think and say.”

“I try to come every year,” said Maggie Roe, a local Savannahian audience member. “I love how they do everything.”

Stranger than Fiction will be happening every Friday and Saturday throughmonth of October at 7:30 p.m. at the Davenport House museum. Tickets are $22 for reservations and $25 for walk-ins. You can visit their website for more information.