INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) takes part in the celebration of Indiana’s 200th year of statehood with its production of Finding Home: Indiana at 200, on the IRT Upperstage Oct 18 – Nov 13.
Finding Home: Indiana at 200 is a collaboration of more than 30 Indiana writers who have come together to create a collage of unique and engaging moments in Indiana’s history that are woven together by songs written and performed by Hoosier singer-songwriter Tim Grimm.
The conceptualization of Finding Home: Indiana at 200 began in 2011, while Janet Allen, IRT’s Executive Director, alongside IRT’s playwright-in-residence James Still, and the Indiana Historical Society’s President John Herbst, explored the creation of a series of plays found, commissioned or produced at the IRT and focused on Indiana’s history.
Over 50 artists – fiction writers, poets, journalists, historians and playwrights — were invited to submit their work to be considered for the production. With the help of Indiana’s preeminent historian James Madison, IRT’s artistic leadership managed to narrow the selection.
This original production showcases many notable stories about our home state — from Princess Mishawaka, the daughter of Chief Elkhart, to Madame C.J. Walker, the nation’s first African-American female millionaire. Audience members will journey back in time with Abe Lincoln as he takes his first steps towards becoming a lawyer and with James Dean as he visits his high school drama teacher. Share in the memories of a middle-aged man recalling what it was like going to high school with Ryan White and eavesdrop on a conversation between William Henry Harrison and one of his descendants, eight generations later.
Tickets are $25. Visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 to reserve seats. The IRT Upperstage is located at 140 W. Washington St.
