Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Readers' theatre brings local history to life


Got plans for this weekend (other than Homecoming activities of course)? Well, scrap 'em, because you won't want to miss "Echoes of Cherokee County," presented by Reinhardt University Theatre. This readers' theatre features letters, newspaper reports, legal documents, and other primary documents outlining just a few of the important events and movements that affected this area during the half-century leading up to the the Civil War.

"It's about 40 minutes of legal documents, letters, diaries, and newspaper reports. It covers gold rushes, school building, preaching, Indian removal and oppression, and, for the finale, a truly terrifying speech delivered on the eve of the war to the Cherokee Riflemen by a women's sewing guild. Goes WAY beyond "war of northern aggression" rhetoric," said RU professor of English and Theatre Dr. Kevin Crawford.

Crwaford was helped in researching the material for the show by RU History professor Dr. Ken Wheeler and local historian/library favorite G. Richard Wright.

"It's a fun way to interact with this material," said Wright, who will also be speaking at the event.

"Echoes of Cherokee County" will be held at the historic Canton Theatre in downtown Canton on February 11th and 12th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are only $5 (cash or check only). Don't miss it! I won't.

No comments: