One Woman’s Road to Fort Sumter
Mary Chesnut
MARY BOYKIN CHESNUT, daughter of a South Carolina governor, was a philosopher and humorist as well as an extraordinary observer of humanity. Her marriage to General James Chesnut put her in the middle of major events throughout the Civil War where she had access to key leaders of the conflict. Today, she is remembered for a riveting personal journal that chronicled the rise and fall of the Confederate States of America.
Her story of the beginning of the war will be presented on stage as “Mary Chesnut’s Road to Fort Sumter” by The South Carolina Historical Society and Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina. Three performances of this American premier will run at the Footlight Players Theatre over the weekend of April 9–10 as part of the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War.
Adapted by and starring actress Chris Weatherhead (who is co-founder of Actors’ Theater of South Carolina), the play reveals intrigues and controversies leading up to the first shot on Fort Sumter. As Chris says, “Mary Chesnut was a brilliant and incisive observer of human nature, steeped in politics from childhood, who became a feminist, humorist, and chronicler of her times. She also abhorred slavery. It is impossible to define her. Her journals have been called ‘electrifying’ and ‘dazzling’ and I believe she was a genius. Whether studying Julius Caesar’s military campaigns or observing behavior at all levels of society, she had a way of cutting to the core, or at least forcing her readers to think about important and taboo topics.”
Chris Weatherhead as Mary Chesnut
South Carolina Historical Society Director, Faye Jensen, who spearheaded the project, adds that “Mary Chesnut was an extraordinary woman who lived through a fascinating time. Her journals have been cited as ‘the finest work to come out of the Civil War’. She was wonderfully observant and perceptive. Throughout the Civil War, she was in the center of action where she provided great insight into the personalities of military and political leaders.”
The play is directed by Clarence Felder, the other co-founder of Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina.
Following Saturday evening’s performance, a “Champagne and Chocolates with Mary” reception—to include a book signing with author Catherine Clinton—will be held at the South Carolina Historical Society at 100 Meeting Street.
Footlight Players Theatre
Sat, Apr 9 • 7 PM
Sun, Apr 1o • 2 PM and 7 PM
Tickets
Play $25
Play & reception $50
Visit www.schsonline.org or call (843) 723-3225 ext. 13
