We’re so excited to be producing our Second Annual Appalachian Playwriting Festival on September 21-22, 2024! We reached out to Bloodletting in These Hills playwright Walter Thinnes to find out more about him and his script!
What is your connection to the Appalachian Region?
I have enjoyed professional relationships with Appalachian cultural institutions for many decades as an actor and as a playwright. I’ve had fond experiences in Highlands NC, Athens OH, Western Pennsylvania, Upcountry South Carolina, Western Virginia and several locations in West Virginia itself, most notably, Lewisburg WV. Recreationally it is also my favorite place to be. I’ve enjoyed many motorcycle rides along the Blue Ridge Parkway and regional routes and sites along America’s Favorite Road.
What does being Appalachian mean to you?
Resilient people, rich history, engaging roads, cool breezes, and my favorite scenery in all the world.
What inspired you to write your play?
As a history buff I have long been fascinated by the coal mining union wars of the twentieth century. While working as an actor in West Virginia many years ago, I took a side trip on a day off to explore the Paint Creek and Cabin Creek region nearby. Speaking with locals to learn more, I was directed to a book by a gentleman who had been a lawyer and later Attorney General for West Virginia at that time. I was fortunate to locate him and spend time chatting with him at the ripe old age of 103. He even autographed my copy of his book which inspired be to turn my interest into a script. Over the years this project has evolved significantly into the work you will see at this reading.
What do you hope will stick with audiences after they watch the reading of your play?
An insight into an important, but seldom reported, episode of American History and most especially the spirit, toughness, and tenderness of the people impacted by it. I believe these characters reflect the essence of the many people I have come to know from this region.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am an emerging playwright trapped in a later life body. I have spent my life in the arts as a creator and as a manager of cultural institutions. I have been blessed to have my plays performed across the country and around the world and look forward to learning more about the Parkway Playhouse and Burnsville, North Carolina
Will you be joining us for the Appalachian Playwriting Festival? If so, is there anything else you’re planning on checking out while you’re in Burnsville?
I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m looking forward to learning more about the people, food and culture of Burnsville. I’ve set aside some time to do some motorcycle riding while there, including visiting my favorite spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the nearby Craggy Gardens. I will also try out a new route for me: the Diamondback Loop, just southeast of Burnsville.
Our Appalachian Playwriting Festival Schedule this year is…
Saturday, September 21, 2024
1pm: Booth #99
4pm: Bloodletting in These Hills
7pm: Cheek By Jowl
Sunday, September 22, 2024:
1pm: Cheek By Jowl
4pm: Booth #99
7pm: Bloodletting in These Hills
Tickets are on sale now! Find out more and grab yours here: https://parkwayplayhouse.com/appalachian-playwriting-festival/
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