Actors Theatre of Louisville will present The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez and directed by Associate Artistic Director Meredith McDonough as part of the Brown-Forman Series. The show will run January 10-February 2.
At the end of the Civil War, a Jewish Confederate soldier returns to find his once-grand home in ruins, occupied only by two of his family’s former slaves. Confronted with a changed, uncertain social order, and bound by the history and faith they share, the three men must grapple with their responsibility toward each other and the secrets they hold.
The Whipping Man is a moving drama about newfound freedom, the legacy of slavery, redemption and regret.
“Matthew’s play is where history ends and life begins,” said Meredith McDonough. “I’m really interested in the untold story around events and Lopez’s play is set in the background of an enormous moment in history. It is a very human story of what freedom means to this family, the responsibilities that come with that and how difficult and complicated that can be.”
The performance on January 26 will begin with a pre-show reception at 6 p.m. and include post-show conversation. What happens when the history ends and real life begins? The Whipping Man is a story about race, faith, and the weight of the past, set at the end of the Civil War. Charla Young, host of WAVE 3’s Power to Change, will lead a conversation with community leaders to discuss these topics and how history – near and distant – impacts our lives every day.
The Whipping Man will feature a trio of actors, all of whom will be making their Actors Theatre debuts: Frankie J. Alvarez as Caleb, Biko Eisen-Martin as John and Michael Genet as Simon.
The Whipping Man is made possible in part by Brown-Forman through their continued commitment to the Brown-Forman Series. Additional support for the production: production is underwritten by Christina Lee Brown, the director is underwritten by Marsha and David Roth and the set designer is underwritten by Roanne and Karl Victor, Jr.
Tickets start at $30 and are on sale now. They can be purchased online at ActorsTheatre.org or by calling 584-1205.