HARRISBURG – HACC’s Theatre Program presents “The Burning Bed” and “Journeys,” two plays with a theme of domestic violence, at the college’s campuses in Gettysburg, Lancaster and York in September.
“The Burning Bed” is adapted from the novel by Faith McNulty. On March 9, 1977, after 13 years of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Francine Hughes set fire to the bed in which he was sleeping. He died in the blaze. She then drove with her three children to the police station where she surrendered and confessed. Hughes was tried for murder. “The Burning Bed” is a compilation of testimony Hughes gave from the witness stand.
In “Journeys” written by Steve Schaeffer, the time is the present; any town or city in the United States. The three women in the play have no names because they are part of an anonymous group of women who suffer in silence as victims of domestic violence. Woman 1 is a young woman in her 20s, terrified of her husband. Woman 2 is a counselor, educated, and can’t understand why abused women just don’t leave – then the nightmare happens to her. Woman 3 is in jail for finally striking back and murdering her husband.
Curtain times are 7 p.m. with performances scheduled Tuesday, Sept. 20, at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus, 731 Old Harrisburg Road; Wednesday, Sept. 21, at HACC’s York Campus, 2010 Pennsylvania Ave.; and Thursday, Sept. 22, at HACC’s Lancaster Campus, 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike.
This is a non-ticketed event. Free will donations given at the door will go directly to local chapters of organizations for the prevention of domestic violence.
Both plays are directed by Marnie Brennan, HACC professor of theatre. For more information, contact her at mabrenna@hacc.edu.
