Salkehatchie Stew’s “Dig Deeper” returns in August
August 20th, 2009 | 
Author: | Even Better This Time Around-A Blend of Old and New – Dig Deeper , the play that gathered so much praise in the Salkehatchie region last spring, is being “remounted” (performed again) in August in the Palmetto Theater, 108 Lee Avenue, Hampton, SC. Most of the actors who performed in Dig Deeper last spring will appear again this summer. The dates and times are: August 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.; August 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 3 p.m. |
Dig Deeper is a unique theatrical production, filled with wonderful stories and lively original music combining South Carolina’s savory past and the diverse culture of the state’s Salkehatchie region. The stories in Dig Deeper were gathered by volunteers in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton counties, which comprise the USC Salkehatchie region. The volunteers interviewed many residents, seeking tales people remembered or which were handed down by their families.
The stories used in the play provide glimpses of everyday life in South Carolina and memories of the “old” days, with the play set primarily in the 1950s. Stories in the script involve farming, well-digging; raising children and chickens; teaching school, bartering, watermelon festivals; and the Salkehatchie River, known as the “river of life, river of dreams,” and “the river that divides andunites.” Some storytellers
described their families’ feelings about leaving their ancestral homes when the “bomb plant” (the Savannah River Site) was about to displace them. Dig Deeper is a part of “Salkehatchie Stew,” started about three years ago by the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute with USDA funding to promote cultural tourism and the arts through storytelling in the five-county Salkehatchie region.
The play is produced by the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute in partnership with the Hampton County Arts Council, with support from the SC Arts Commission. The production is being re-staged by Community Performance, Inc., and a corps of 60 volunteer actors and crew. The play was written by Jules Corriere and directed by Richard Geer and Corriere. The words and memorable melodies were composed by Heather McCluskey and her son, Brett. Brett is the music director/accompanist for the August production.
Tickets and information may be obtained by contacting the Leadership Institute at 803-584-3446, ext. 188 and the Palmetto Theatre in Hampton at 803-943-3100 or www.salkehatchiestew.com
Tickets (Adult $15, Seniors [60+] $13, Children [10 & under] $10) are being sold at local sites in Hampton (Palmetto Theater and the Frock Shop), Estill (Hanna Pharmacy) Allendale (USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute and Salkehatchie Arts Center).
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