The 2019 Trustus Playwrights’ Festival commissioned two plays about true Columbia crimes scribed by local playwrights, Jason Stokes and Charlie Finesilver. The True Crime Rep was originally scheduled for our 35th season, and Trustus is delighted to finally give both shows their world premiere on the Thigpen Main Stage. Both shows will be performed in repertory, with performances alternating nightly. Purchase a ticket to both Composure and House Calls for $46, saving $5 on each show!
COMPOSURE
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JASON STOKES
Every day in Columbia, thousands of people pass the intersection of Gervais and Main Streets, not realizing it was once the scene of a politically-driven homicide. On January 15, 1903, the Tillman family, headed by the Lieutenant Governor of the State of South Carolina, and the Gonzales family, headed by the founder of The State Newspaper, are caught up in a very public feud that dates back to the 1880s. Narcisco Gener Gonzales, who founded The State Newspaper with his two brothers, was on his way home for lunch from the newspaper office on Main Street when Lt. Governor Tillman, adjourned from the SC Senate, shot him in the abdomen. Gonzales died four days later. Columbia resident and Trustus Theatre Company Member, Jason Stokes, wrote Composure which tells the story of the days leading up to this shooting and the trial that followed.
SHOW TIMES:
Thursday, August 11 – 8:00pm
Friday, August 12 – 8:00pm
Saturday, August 13- 8:00pm
Sunday, August 14 – 2:00pm
Saturday, August 20 – 2:00pm
Thursday, August 25 – 8:00pm
Saturday, August 27 – 8:00pm
HOUSE CALLS, THE STRANGE TALE OF DR. GALE
WRITTEN BY CHARLIE FINESILVER
DIRECTED BY GINNY IVES
In the 1970’s, the Forest Acres neighborhood of Columbia, SC, is a calm and tranquil area. Dr. Ian S. Gale was a practicing psychiatrist and an expert witness who testified in local criminal trials. Dr. Gale became one of the most sought after criminals in Columbia-a burglar who in the end stole over $500,000 in guns, antiques, rate coins, jewelry, and other loot from the residents of Forest Acres. Leaving calling cards such as disassembled security systems, plates where he had enjoyed a sandwich from the fridge, or wet towels in the bathroom left over from a refreshing shower, Gale took pride in his work and his ability to pull the wool over the eyes of his victims and the police. How did a successful pillar of the community turn to crime? Local author and playwright Charlie Finesilver tell the story of Dr. Ian Gale in his play, House Calls.
SHOW TIMES:
Thursday, August 18 – 8:00pm
Friday, August 19 – 8:00pm
Saturday, August 20- 8:00pm
Sunday, August 21 – 2:00pm
Wednesday, August 24 – 8:00pm
Friday, August 26 – 8:00pm
Saturday, August 27 – 2:00pm