Ferrum College

Issue: August, 1983

FERRUM, VA. - Ferrum College Summer Theatre opens July 7, 1983 with four historical dramas on the theme "Culture and the Uncommon Man."

The 1983 season, which will run through Aug. 5, is under the direction of H. Wayne Bowman, assistant professor of speech and drama at the college. He also is the playwright for two of the productions, "General Lee's Bad Old Man" and "The Enchanted Deer."

Jubal Early, a Franklin County lawyer and one of Lee's generals, is the central character in "General Lee's Bad Old Man". The play is a collection of stories and research spanning a 50 year period at the time of the Civil War.

Witchcraft legends from Patrick, Franklin and Henry Counties are the basis for the play, "The Enchanted Deer.” It is also a love story and a story of vengeance and superstition.

The other two plays in the series, "Too Free For Me" and "Victoria, I Account Thy Love" were written by R. Rex Stephenson, assistant professor of drama and educational theatre.

"Too Free For Me," a dramatization based on a 1851 trial in Franklin County, first premiered at Ferrum in the summer of 1980. In the play a black woman sues her best friend's husband to save her children and herself from the bonds of slavery. Jubal Early was the defense attorney in the case.

"Victoria, I Account Thy Love" is the story of the Witcher-Clement feud in Franklin County and involves a divorce battle between two people from prominent families. The play recreates the courtroom shooting that took place.

There will be alternating performances of the four dramas Tuesdays through Saturdays beginning Thursday, July 7. Curtain time in air-conditioned Gaber Hall is 8 p.m. There also will be 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays.

Tickets are $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for children and students, and $1.00 for senior citizens. For groups of ten or more, there will be a ten percent discount. Season tickets for the four plays also are available for $8.50 for adults and $5.50 for children and students, and $3.50 for senior citizens. For reservations, call Ferrum college (703) 365-2121, ext. 151.

Ferrum's Summer Theatre is funded in part by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy and the Virginia Arts Commission.

Other events at Ferrum in July are: Sat., July 16, 4-9 pm. - Brush Arbor Gospel Sing featuring local groups. Blue Ridge Farm Museum, Ferrum College. Admission charged.

Sat., July 30, 10 a.m.-5p.m., Blue Ridge Draft Horse, Pony and Mule Show featuring plowing, log skidding and wagon driving; horse, pony and mule conformation show; and buggy, wagon and farm machinery parade. Blue Ridge Farm Museum, Ferrum College. Admission charged.