By GINA KINSLOW
HORSE CAVE — Kentucky Repertory Theatre will host a lecture by playwright Wade Hall at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Hall, professor emeritus from Bellarmine University, will speak about President Abraham Lincoln in conjunction with the theater’s season premier of his play, “One Man’s Lincoln.”
Hall will discuss Herndon, the biography of Lincoln and the process of creating the play in his lecture, “Abraham Lincoln: The First ‘American’ President; Why and How I Wrote ‘One Man’s Lincoln.’”
The play is based on a biography developed by Billy Herndon, Lincoln’s law partner and friend for 18 years.
Herndon, portrayed by Brian Webb Russell, is the only character in the play, but spends a great deal of time talking about Lincoln.
Hall resided in Louisville for many years, where he taught English and chaired the English and humanities/arts programs at Kentucky Southern College and Bellarmine University.
A native of Union Springs, Ala., he recently returned to Alabama to live.
“I’m very flattered that he decided to travel all the way back up here to see the play open,” said Mary Margaret Villines, development director for the theater. “I am thrilled he is going to talk about Lincoln.”
He is the author of books, monographs, articles, plays and reviews relating to Kentucky, Alabama and Southern history and literature.
Villines said the theater doesn’t get to invite playwrights in to talk about their work very often.
“I wish we could do it more than we do,” she said. “That’s one reason why we are so happy to have him.”
Hall’s lecture will take place in the theater at 118 East Main St. at 5:30 p.m.
The opening of the theater’s production of “One Man’s Lincoln” will follow Hall’s lecture at 7:30 p.m. at the theater.
“We have been taking it in touring performances to sites and schools around the state this spring, but this is the first time it has been presented on our stage,” Villines said.
A reception will take place before the play begins in the lobby of the theater at 6:30 p.m. and will be catered by Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese.
There is no admission to hear Hall’s lecture.
Information:
What: One Man’s Lincoln
When: Friday through Aug. 2
Where: Kentucky Reportory Theatre in Horse Cave
Cost: Tue.-Thu. evenings, $21; Fri.-Sat. evenings, $23; Sat., Sun. and weekday matinees, $21. Students with ID, $12; Children 12-under, $10; Seniors over 65, Military and AAA, 10 percent off.
For more: E-mail tickets@kentuckyrep.org, or call (800) 342-2177 or (270) 786-2177.
