Theater group explores circus tragedy

Whitefish Theatre Company will present “Elephant’s Graveyard,” its second Black Curtain Staged Reading of the 2012-13 season, Jan. 26 and 27 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

“Elephant’s Graveyard” by George Brandt is based on true-life events from the life of Mary the Elephant. It delves into the tragic collision of a struggling circus and a tiny town in Tennessee. The result of this confrontation? The only known lynching of an elephant.

Set in September 1916, the play combines historical fact and legend, exploring the deep-seated craving for spectacle, violence and revenge. The play is a series of monologues by circus performers, crew and members of the town combined with stylized movement. According to the Austin Chronicle, “It cracks our hearts without ever showing us a drop of blood, a hanging chain or a trunk.”

Artistic Director Jesse DeVine directs a cast of 13 community members, veteran actors and new faces to the Whitefish Theatre Company.

The play “reminds me that sometimes humans can be animalistic and animals can be humanistic,” cast member Jessica Rogers said in an email to DeVine.

“All of society can benefit from this reminder,” DeVine said. “We are living in a world where technology allows us to instantly and publicly text, email or post our responses to everything. ‘Elephant’s Graveyard’ provides a tragic example of what can happen when we fail to pause and explore our options before delivering our responses.”

A facilitated talkback will be offered after each show for interested audience members.

Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door. Seating is general admission.

For more information, contact the Whitefish Theatre Company box office at 1 Central Ave.; call 862-5371; or visit www.whitefishtheatreco.org.