The Manitowoc Herald News of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, writes today that The University of Wisconsin–Manitowoc is inviting the community to participate as the jury in a theatrical retrial of Lizzie Borden on January 13, 2007, at the University Theatre.
The trial will be a re-creation, using excerpts from original trial transcripts, as well as period costumes. Volunteers are needed to portray small parts, which will be read directly from the script, as well as jurors. The verdict, however, is unscripted – the jurors will deliberate and present their own verdict. No previous stage experience is required, and only two rehearsals will be held.
The infamous Lizzie Borden ax-murder trial of 1893 has fascinated those interested in crime for over 100 years. Andrew J. Borden and Abby Borden were brutally murdered with a hatchet in their otherwise quiet neighborhood. Their daughter/step-daughter, Lizzie Borden, a respectable Sunday school teacher, was charged with the crime based on almost entirely circumstantial evidence. There was a great deal of newspaper coverage, and public opinion was greatly divided on her guilt or innocence.
Those interested in participating in this re-trial of an unsolved murder should contact Dean Campagna’s office, UW-Manitowoc at 920-683-4710 by Dec. 1.
Let’s go!
