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"There is a steel framework underneath every mother I know," believes playwright and Kingsport native, Lori Tate Matthews. Barter Theatre is proud to present this world premiere. Set against the backdrop of the 1960 Eastman explosion, Matthews' story focuses on the strength and courage of a family in Kingsport, Tennessee, as they desperately await word on the fate of their loved ones after the accident.more >
Show Reviews
October, Before I Was Born is magnificent. I've been thinking about that trio all morning. Tricia Matthews, Ashley Campos and Nicholas Piper create an extended family on the brink of unspeakable disaster. What's so gripping is the nature of their denial and the familiarity of their hope. Watching these three grapple with their situation is thrilling. Lori Matthews has created a family we feel in our bones. Congratulations to Mary Lucy Bivins and team. A bonafide 7 ticket roller coaster.more > — Eugene Wolf via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
Absolutely fantastic! Loved, loved, LOVED this play! if you haven't purchased your tickets yet—do it now. Lori Matthews has crafted a masterpiece and Tricia Matthews, Nicholas Piper and Ashley Campos are at the top of their game. GO!more > — Catherine Bush via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
If you've ever experienced joy, sadness, rage, anger, and a good laugh, come experience this play. It will take you to a higher level.more > — Robert Tate via Facebook.com/BarterTheatre
We enjoyed another terrific piece of work done by the special people at Barter Theatre. Everyone always does a super job at Barter from the people working on sets to actors and directors etc.. just a really special job. The use of the Aliline plant tragedy at Eastman in Kingsport was tastefull used as a background to show a family in crisis. And the portrayal of the people of our region of the country was very well done. Thanks for another very enjoyable evening Barter!more > — Jeff Arrington via email
We enjoyed another terrific piece of work done by the special people at Barter Theatre. Everyone always does a super job at Barter from the people working on sets to actors and directors etc.. just a really special job. The use of the Aliline plant tragedy at Eastman in Kingsport was tastefull used as a background to show a family in crisis. And the portrayal of the people of our region of the country was very well done. Thanks for another very enjoyable evening Barter!more > — Jeff Arrington via email
Saw "October, Before I Was Born" in the original theater. Our first visit & what an experience. Great production, carried on by only 3 cast members for a solid 90mins. A gamut of emotions are involved in this play, & even the ending is stirring. So well acted, I hated to see it end. Loved the history of the theater.more > — via TripAdvisor
October, Before I Was Born
By Lori Tate Matthews
A Heart-Pounding, Emotionally Charged, Close-to-Home Story; Audience Favorite of Barter's 2011 Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights. This suspenseful story follows a Kingsport family stranded at their rural farm, desperate for news regarding their loved ones after the October 1960 Tennessee Eastman Company explosion. Emotions come to a boil when the ties between Anne, a soon-to-be mother; Martha, her mother in-law; and Houston, the difficult son and brother-in-law, begin to unravel. Amid their circumstances they may just discover they truly need each other. You'll be on the edge of your seat as this fast-paced emotional roller coaster follows the family's attempts to cope with the unknown, ultimately igniting a different kind of explosion. Tickets Starting at $29. Written by Kingsport Native Lori Tate Matthews.
Stage: Barter Theatre
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October, Before I Was Born Trailer
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One family desperately awaits news of their loved ones after the 1960 Eastman explosion.
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Ashley Campos
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Ashley Campos, Tricia Matthews, Nicholas Piper
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Tricia Matthews, Ashley Campos
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Nicholas Piper, Tricia Matthews
Cast & Credits
THE CAST
Anne: Ashley Campos
Houston: Nicholas Piper
Martha: Tricia Matthews
THE COLLABORATORS
Director: Mary Lucy Bivins
Set Designer: Bill Buck
Costume Designer: Amanda Aldridge
Lighting Designer: Michael Barnett
Sound Designer: Miles Polaski
Stage Manager: Cindi A. Raebel
2012 Sponsor of the Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights:
Dunkin' Donuts & Roadrunner Markets
Media Sponsors:
WKPT-TV; Kingsport Times-News; WWWJ 1360 AM; WBRF-FM 98.1
Season Sponsors:
Alpha Natural Resources, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Eastman Credit Union, Mountain States Health Alliance & The United Company
