"Word for Word’s latest will leave you an emotional wreck — in the best way.”
— Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle
“These are stories of resilience, of strong spirits whose voices echo across generations."
— Chuck Louden, Stage and Cinema
“Ron Rash's languorous and humorous story-telling is meant for this company.”
— SF Theater Blog
Word for Word and Z Space present
Hard Times
Appalachian Stories By Ron Rash
Directed by Jim Cave and Amy Kossow
October 8 - November 2
in Z Below
Ron Rash is an award-winning American writer known for his novels, short stories, and poetry that are often set in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. His writing is characterized by exploration of themes like displacement and cultural loss, the tension between past and present, a blend of realistic detail with occasional supernatural elements, and a commitment to exploring universal human concerns through the lens of a specific place and culture.
"The Night the New Jesus Fell to Earth" – A comedic, contemporary tale of Appalachia takes a wry look at marriage and relationships through the lens of a questionable religious observance.
In “Sad Man in the Sky,” a troubled man approaches a helicopter operator and offers money to be taken up for a pass over a very specific neighborhood.
"Hard Times", the lead story in Ron Rash's 2010 Frank O'Connor Prize winning collection Burning Bright is a work written from deep knowledge, compassion, and an unfiltered view of American Appalachia of the 1930's, about poor, isolated, marginalized families of the Great Depression. A dispute between neighbors over some missing eggs leads to a heartbreaking conclusion.
Show Schedule
Previews: Wed 10/8 and Thur 10/9, 7pm, Fri 10/10 8pm
Opening Night: Sat 10/11 8pm
Run of Show: 10/12 - 11/2 | Wed & Thurs 7pm | Fri & Sat 8pm | Sun 2pm
Masked Performances Wednesday 10/15 and Sunday 10/26. Masks required for all audience members, bar will not be open.
Lobby, Box Office, Bar open 1 hour prior to showtime.
House opens for seating 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Hard Times runs for 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission.
This show is recommended for ages 13 and up.
Cast
Molly Rebekka Benson*+
Delia MacDougall*+
John Flanagan*
Joel Mullennix*+
Paul Finocchiaro+
Nancy Shelby*+
Ryan Tasker*+
Carla Gallardo
*Member, AEA +Word for Word Core Company Member
Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help support a moving, fun, and most importantly LIVE theater experience for your community?
For Press Inquiries, please contact Word for Word’s press agent Liam Passmore at Shave and a Haircut, liam@shaveandahaircut.biz.
Word for Word is proud to support the Children’s Book Project, which provides books to children, advancing equity in literacy, learning, and life. Please bring a new or gently used children’s book to donate during the run of the show, and help support this worthy cause. Learn more here.