Riding For America

Name: Riding For America
Released: 2026-02-15
Duration: 1 h 30 min
Cast: Nancy Hays – Creator, songwriter, musician, props and costume creation, discussion moderator Jazzma Pryor – Playwright

Wayfarer Theaters proudly presents: Riding for America Saturday, February 15 at 4:00 PM Riding for America is a compelling performance that brings to life the long-forgotten story of Isaac Burns Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys and sports figures of the 19th century, and his mother, America Murphy. Born into slavery in 1861 in Kentucky, Isaac rose from humble beginnings to become a pioneering Black jockey and one of the highest-paid athletes of the 1880s. Originally developed by Nancy Hays as a classroom presentation for the Chicago Public Schools curriculum, Riding for America was created by a group of talented artists to honor Murphy’s legacy and share his extraordinary story with new generations. The performance will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A and feedback session, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with the artists and reflect on the story.PT1H30M2026-02-15

Nancy Hays – Creator

songwriter

musician

props and costume creation

discussion moderator Jazzma Pryor – Playwright

actor

singer Eldridge Shannon – Actor

singer Stephan Mazurek – Cinematographer/Photographer

projection design Shelley Strasser – Producer

props and costume creation

lighting design

Nancy Hays

Riding For America"Riding For America"

Showtimes

February 15, 4:00 pm