Published: April 26, 2022 |

[Click image to enlarge]

A critically-acclaimed documentary play centered on the aftermath of the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster is set to make its debut in the Mountain State in May.

“Coal Country,” which had its New York City debut in 2020 cut short, returned the stage this spring and will move to Theatre West Virginia in Beckley for a one-time performance on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m., according to a news release from organizers.

The play highlights the community’s search for justice in the wake of the mine disaster and features original music written and performed by Grammy Award winner Steve Earle. The songwriter released a soundtrack of the music, “Ghosts of West Virginia,” in 2020.

Tickets to the one-time-only show will be free to the public with the first 400 tickets being reserved for family members who lost loved ones at Upper Big Branch, survivors and former employees. Those interested can email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

All remaining tickets will be made available to the public beginning at 10 a.m. on April 29 on a first-come, first-served basis through Theatre West Virginia. There is a limit of two tickets per customer.

Organizers said “Coal Country” is intended for mature audiences only due to themes of death and loss in the local area, as well as harsh language. There is also a “graphic, but respectful description of human remains” taken directly from a family member’s testimony that may be upsetting, the news release said.

The play is about 90 minutes long with no intermission.

Source: WCHS

Be in-the-know when you’re on-the-go!