Dorset Theatre Festival to Stage THE WHIPPING MAN, 7/11-20

Dorset Theatre Festival is excited to announce its second production of the 2013 summer season: The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez. The Whipping Man tells the story of a Jewish Confederate soldier and two former slaves who were raised as Jews in his household, as they reunite over Passover weekend at the end of the Civil War. "What does it mean to be free? What is freedom? These are the questions the play asks us to ponder - questions that could not be more important for our times," says Dina Janis, DTF Artistic Director who will also be directing this production.

The powerhouse cast she has put together includes renowned actor Brian Anthony Wilson, known for his work on the HBO drama The Wire as well as films such as The Silver Linings Playbook and Limitless. Joining him is Calvin Dutton, who recently starred in Carter's Way at Steppenwolf Theater and Fences at Denver Theatre Center. Michael Simpson, who is currently featured in the acclaimed Kennedy Center production of The Guardsmen, will complete the cast.

The design team includes Deb Booth (scenic design), Chip Schoonmaker (costume design), DTF Producing Director Michael Giannitti (lighting design) and Jane Shaw (sound design).

DTF's production of The Whipping Man was chosen by the Vermont Department of Tourism as one of its TOP 10 Civil War Events, and a number of local organizations across southern Vermont are collaborating with DTF on events leading up to the production. These include Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, the Vermont Humanities Council and The Bennington Museum, where an event entitled "Conjuring the Civil War" will be hosted on July 13th at 2 pm. The design team and director of The Whipping Man will share the design ideas and the research that went into creating the DTF production.

Director Dina Janis, a resident of Dorset, Vermont will be familiar to regional audiences as the Artistic Director of DTF, whose commitment to revitalizing the festival has been praised throughout the region. Of the production, Janis says: "Interest in the Civil War era seems widespread, with the release of films like Lincoln and with the 150th anniversary approaching. All of this makes it an excellent time for us to stage this play, which we think will really resonate with our audiences, young and old alike."

Performances of The Whipping Man begin July 11th and run through July 20th, with evening shows at 8 pm and matinees at 3 pm. For tickets or information call 802-867-2223 or visit us online at dorsettheatrefestival.org.

Photo Credit: Brian Jones

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