I am thrilled that our World Premiere play Pierce to the Soul opens tonight, Friday, April 9!
This is a play about a Columbus hero, by a Columbus playwright, and produced by Columbus’ premiere professional theatre, and it has been fun to watch the community come together to shape this new American play!
At the public workshops and readings*, we’ve had people listen to and react to the play, share their suggestions, and tell us their stories of personal connection with Elijah Pierce. He clearly was a man who touched many lives, from many parts of society and many races. Those who have sought us out to share their stories were personally moved by this man, and their stories are a brilliant window into why Chiquita and Geoff were moved to work so hard to create a play about him.
Playwright Chiquita Mullins Lee
CATCO Artistic Director Geoffrey Nelson
Many people have created great works of art, but not all of them would make a compelling subject for a play.
Pierce is compelling.
His life and work are a testament to the human, the holy, and the creative. He was very real and human. He had a sense of humor, and wrestled with faith and temptation. His story speaks to us.
As our scenic designer Edie Dinger Wadkins said to me:
This is a man who you want to listen to…..
Chiquita and Geoff have endeavored to capture the essence of this man on the stage. This isn’t merely a historical narrative detailing the life of a great artist. This is a glimpse of the man behind the art. A glimpse of the man who inspired so many to come to Long Street and spend hours in his barber shop, who inspired so many to come hear him preach, who inspired so many to recognize the value and power of folk art.
This is a glimpse of the man who inspired so many to seek us out to tell of the personal connection they have with this man, connections that live on through his art.
We are proud to produce this world premiere play, we thank all who have contributed to its creation, and we invite all of Central Ohio to come celebrate the life of one of our own!
–T.J. Gerckens
Managing Director
CATCO
PS: For a wealth of information about Pierce, the process, and the play visit our website!
* These workshops were made possible by the generosity of GCAC and the Ohio Humanities Council
Playwright Chiquita Mullins Lee and Actor Alan Bomar Jones
