Heathen Valley

Heathen Valley next at the University Theatre

Set in the 1850s, the action of the play centers on the desire of the Episcopal Bishop of North Carolina (Mark Halverson) to bring the word of God to a valley so remote and untamed that brothers marry sisters and the people live lives of brutal violence and grinding poverty. Accompanied by an ex-convict named Starns (Justin Ringhofer), who once lived in the area and knows its ways, and a young orphan boy, Billy (Bryce Earp), the sometimes overbearing bishop sets about bringing "order and decency" to the valley. Returning to civilization to raise funds, he leaves Starns behind as his deacon, and before long Starns, aided by Billy, has indeed worked wonders--transforming a wild woman (Kelsey Deroian) and her deranged lover (Matthew Schiltz) into a respectable married couple, leading the grizzled mountaineers in hymns, and building a church which, to allay local superstitions, has no corners. When the bishop returns he is amazed, but also disturbed that perhaps earthly pleasures are replacing the poverty which is more befitting for beholding the glory of God. He also announces that he has decided to renounce his calling and embrace the Roman church--which leaves Starns bereft of his illusive authority and, ironically, powerless to halt the slide of his now questioning flock back to the easy and evil ways of old.

The play Heathen Valley by Romulus Linney is based on his novel and won the American Theatre Critics Association Award for Distinguished Playwriting. The University Theatre production is directed by Brad Myers, scene design by Jeff Hunter, lighting by Izzy Einsidler and costumes by Elizabeth Payne.

Dennis & Cheryl Woods Theatre
Speech Arts Building

March 12-20, 2010

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Pamela Dyer
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Theatre Arts Department
California State University, Fresno
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