Table 8 Productions to Present JONESTOWN

Table 8 Productions continues its mission of present striking new works with the immersive experience JONESTOWN, just in time for the Halloween season. "We've been doing deep research into the Peoples Temple archive and have curated a collage that takes our congregants a step beyond the Kool-Aid," says Creative Director Troy Heard. "Although the presentation is structured in two halves - the first a sermon at the San Francisco Peoples Temple and the second their final day in Guyana - we show both outside and inside perspectives of the Rev. Jim Jones, his followers, and the dark path they took to their ends."

Jim Jones was the charismatic religious leader of the Peoples Temple, who led a congregation of nearly 1,000 followers to a neo-Utopian commune in Guyana. Through a series of events involving widespread allegations of abuse and espionage, as well as the assassination of Congressman Leo Ryan by his followers, Jones encouraged his flock to participate in "revolutionary suicide" by ingesting cyanide-laced Flavor-aid. This led to the largest mass death of American citizens until the 9/11 attacks with 909 total victims on November 28, 1978.

"The repercussions of Jonestown are still felt today," said Heard. "For years following, investigations uncovered Jones's ties with Russia and the CIA. He had a great amount of government support during his time in San Francisco. Our production even includes a letter by Harvey Milk written to President Carter backing Jones. And our ability to fully immerse our 'congregation' in a heated Temple sermon will make his chilling story even more engaging."

JONESTOWN begins Thursday, October 23 and plays through November 8, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The production's location will be revealed to advance ticket buyers via e-mail the day of performance. Tickets are $20 and are currently on sale through Table 8 Productions' website at www.table8lv.com. For more information, contact Creative Director Troy Heard at table8prod@gmail or 702-423-6366.