Renowned documentarian Ken Burns, celebrated for his in-depth explorations of American history, continues his journey through the nation’s past with a new PBS series on the American Revolution set to air this November, coinciding with the country’s 250th anniversary.
As excitement builds for the series, Burns, alongside co-director Sarah Botstein and historian Jane Kamensky, will make an appearance at the Winspear Opera House on June 3. During this event, attendees can look forward to a 45-minute preview of the new series followed by a discussion facilitated by KERA’s Krys Boyd.
Reflecting on his experiences, Burns remarked on how Dallas stands out in his memory, particularly referring to the impactful events of November 22, 1963. He acknowledges the city’s transformation over the decades, stating, “I’m impressed by how Dallas has remade itself, reinvented itself in a vibrant way.” He notes the shift from a past avoidance of painful history to a modern embrace of the city’s narratives and a blossoming art scene.
When discussing how he plans to breathe life back into the Founding Fathers, Burns expresses his intent to counteract the cold perception created by their formal representations, such as statues and currency depictions. He states, “When you put people on marble statues, they become un-human. We lose them.” He emphasizes the importance of showcasing their humanity and flaws, illustrating George Washington’s experiences as a young militia leader and highlighting the ordinary people involved in the Revolution—those whose sacrifices shaped the nation.
The documentary seeks to engage audiences through a unique storytelling approach, employing a star-studded cast that includes luminaries such as Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Morgan Freeman.
Notably, Burns has spent a decade sifting through historical records to evoke the lives of everyday individuals who contributed to the Revolution. He aims to present their experiences in a manner that resonates with contemporary viewers, encouraging deeper reflection on what it would mean to stand for a cause during turbulent times. “What would I have done? Would I have been willing to die for a cause? Would I have been willing to kill for a cause?” he prompts.
His exploration of themes such as love, scandal, and the chaos of war is not only about history but also about drawing parallels to today’s struggles and decisions. Through the lens of the American Revolution, he hopes to foster a dialogue about national pride amid challenging perceptions of America today.
Citing recent Gallup polls that depict declining pride in America, Burns comments on the current political landscape, assessing that many citizens might be misinformed or caught up in a binary worldview—overly simplistic divisions of right and wrong. He suggests that true understanding of America’s complexities is paramount to appreciating the nation’s journey.
“Every country has problems, but we invented the idea of citizens,” Burns states. He reflects on the significance of the American revolution, characterizing it as the first to articulate unalienable rights for all individuals, distinguishing the nation’s citizens from subjects of the past.
Highlighting the importance of education, Burns warns against neglecting civics and history in schools, which he believes leads to ignorance. He recalls the Founding Fathers’ commitment to lifelong learning as essential for cultivating engaged citizens. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, he emphasizes the need for a collective recommitment to these foundational values.
In celebration of the milestones of American history, the series will feature intimate stories of individuals caught up in the Revolution, including a young fifer who joins the militia at 14, a 15-year-old signing up after the Declaration of Independence, and a ten-year-old girl chronicling her experiences during the war through her letter to her sister.
These personal accounts and historical testimonies promise to create an evocative tapestry of the time, with perspectives from not just American Patriots but also British officers, Loyalists, and soldiers from various backgrounds, collectively contributing to a more rounded understanding of the era.
“With first-person voices and diverse perspectives,
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