Documentary Illuminates Local History, Teen Actors Interpret Shakespeare
The Capitol aims to build community in a number of ways through the year. From its great lineup of free movies to library-hosted events and no/low-cost performances, the downtown venue regularly brings audience members together for significant events in its historic space. Make plans now to visit this month; these two amazing opportunities are not to be missed!
Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall Documentary & Panel
Visit the Capitol Sunday, April 12, at 3pm for a glimpse into local history at a free showing of the 2025 documentary Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall, a WKU PBS film directed by Josh Niedwick. This impactful piece explores the community disruptions and repercussions caused by urban renewal. Through interviews with former residents and relatives, the film lays out the story of the demise of Jonesville, a local community founded by African American veterans of the Civil War. The 55-minute film explores urban renewal’s historic impact as a whole and reveals how it impacts the lives of families and businesses to this day.
Its backstory: in the 1960s, a Western Kentucky University expansion project led to the destruction of a centrally located section of town known as Jonesville, an area whose property was condemned so that it could be sold at a lower rate than what it was worth. This practice, called “urban renewal,” dismantled a close-knit community, as its business properties and residences were bought up then demolished. The once vibrant, predominantly Black neighborhood was located where E.A. Diddle Arena and Houchens Stadium currently stand.
The documentary came to be following dialogue that arose from the 2022 Jonesville Reconciliation Workgroup. WKU PBS and the Kentucky Folklife Program worked with The Peace Studio, who partnered with Jonesville residents and their descendants, to tell the full story. A number of those local descendants, including Akisa Townsend Eaton, David Horace Greer, and Alice Gatewood Waddell, helped produce the film. They will be on hand to provide additional insight during a panel discussion following its presentation. Moderated by Barbara Deeb, the panel will also include Gary Ransdell, former WKU president, and Davarian Baldwin, author, historian, and professor of American Studies at Trinity College.
Attendance is free; tickets are not required.
Much Ado About Nothing: A Full-Length Performance by Teen Actors!
Purchase your tickets now, and support young actors at the Capitol Teen Theatre’s first ever full-length production scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 7pm and Sunday, April 26, at 3pm. WCPL staff members have been working with Director Carol Jordan and the young cast to craft a performance of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. Jordan, an instructor for WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance, adapted the story as a post-WWI comedy, highlighting motifs from the Jazz age, including flappers, 1920s music, and art deco design. If films like The Great Gatsby or A Midnight in Paris appeal to you, you will definitely enjoy this adaptation!
WCPL’s KJ Wilkerson, who is helping produce the show, says this about the production: “When many people think of Shakespeare, they imagine actors speaking in an intimidating, heightened style, most likely wearing tights and an Elizabethan collar. While this perception leans into historical context, it is important to know how adaptable and relevant Shakespeare’s text can be today. It’s not something that needs to be intimidating or secluded only for a scholarly or prestigious audience. Shakespeare can be very relatable and funny; it’s an art that’s meant for everyone.”
From WCPL’s Sam Treece, the show’s Technical Director: “We are super excited for our Teen Theatre’s first major production! It has been an absolute blast to work with Carol Jordan and this group of teens. The work they are doing is amazing, and I am so excited for everyone to see it!”
Tickets will be sold for this presentation, since it is a bigger production than those in times past, but it’s still an affordable all-in price of $7 per ticket (pre-purchase) or $5 at the door (performance days). Treece explains why: “We hope to use it as a way to grow our stock of supplies: costumes, props, scenery, other odds and ends, and even the rights to do future shows.” With the show running just short of 90 minutes, you don’t want to miss this inaugural production. Tickets can be purchased at capitolbg.org/events.
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-by Ashley Fowlkes
Digital Content Manager
Warren County Public Library
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