Through the story of Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins, RENEGADES will explore the broader, systemic issues related to lack of agency for the conserved individuals and pose critical questions about our definition of individual capacity, control, and freedom.
Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) – An African American composer and pianist known as the greatest musical prodigy of his time, Thomas Wiggins was blind from birth and contemporary sources mention other behaviors and “idiosyncrasies” that indicated cognitive differences such as autism. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe. The Emancipation Proclamation went into effect in 1863 but Wiggins’ was fought over in the courts like a piece of property leading to him being under a conservatorship until his death.
Today, at least 1.3 million disabled people are under conservatorship or guardianship in the United States, and this intersection of disability, guardianship, and artistic exploitation continues to pervade our contemporary narratives, such as the recent public discourse surrounding the guardianship of pop icon Britney Spears, making this film exceedingly timely. Through Wiggins’ story, RENEGADES will explore the broader, systemic issues related to lack of agency for the conserved individuals and pose critical questions about our definition of individual capacity, control, and freedom.
interviews with:
Marsha Hallager is a multifaceted writer, producer and director who creates groundbreaking and critical content. Hallager started her career in radio to which she credits as her entrée into the world of television and film production. She is an accomplished independent documentary filmmaker with a keen sense of storytelling.
Hallager’s achievements are multi-disciplined – she has worked across various genres, including unscripted to scripted television to horror films and feature documentaries. Hallager served as one of the EPs and producers on the award-winning documentary, One Child Left Behind: The Untold Atlanta Cheating Scandal. She just wrapped PBS American Masters: Renegades where she directed/produced the Thomas Wiggins episode and wrote/produced the Celestine Tate Harrington episode and is beginning production on PBS American Experience: The Curb Cut Effect.
The Kennedy Center - October 2024
WHYY - PBS Philadelphia - November 2024
Director - Marsha Hallager
Music Supervisor/Producer - Carvin Haggins
Editor - Danya Abt
