• Listen to this segment

More than forty years ago, nine conscientious Catholics took hundreds of draft files from a selective service office in Catonsville, Maryland and burned them with homemade napalm. As a result of this act of civil disobedience that took place during the height of the Vietnam War, the nine were convicted during a subsequent trial and were collectively given long prison sentences. In re-recreating this history on-stage, The Actors’ Gang is currently presenting “The Trial of the Catonsville Nine.” Drawing from actual historical court transcripts, the play provocatively asks the question, “Is there a difference between breaking the law and committing a crime?” Written by Father Daniel Berrigan, a participant in the file-burning act in 1967, and directed by John Kellam, “The Trial of Catonsville Nine,” explores the deep moral reasoning behind the defendants’ action. A review in the Los Angeles Times called the play, “a lucid, impassioned revival.”

GUESTS: Jon Kellam, director of The Trial of the Cantonsville Nine

WHEN:
Performances: February 14 – March 21:
Thursdays at 8 pm: March 12, 19
Fridays at 8 pm: March 6, 13, 20
Saturdays at 8 pm: March 7, 14, 21
Sundays at 2 pm: March 8, 15 *

*Audiences are invited to stay for a Talk Back with the cast and special guests every Sunday after the 2 pm matinee, through March 15.

WHERE:
THE ACTORS’ GANG
Ivy Substation
9070 Venice Blvd. (corner of Culver and Venice Blvds.)
Culver City, CA 90232
(two hours free parking available across the street in Ince Parking Lot, corner of Culver and Ince)

HOW: 310-838-GANG (310-838-4264) or www.theactorsgang.com