Seminary Stages Four Performances of Stephen Vincent Benet’s John Brown’s Body April 3 through 6

Princeton, NJ, March 24, 2008–Princeton Theological Seminary’s Department of Speech Communication in Ministry will present Stephen Vincent Benet’s narrative epic John Brown’s Body, on Thursday through Saturday, April 3 through 5 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. It will be presented in the Gambrell Room of Scheide Hall on the Seminary campus at 64 Mercer Street in Princeton.

John Brown’s Body is a narrative epic that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1929. In the poem, three families are buffeted about by the Civil War. Despite all the fighting and wounding, imprisonment and escape, in the midst of soul-searching decimation, members of these families find solace and love in unexpected ways. Life goes on, even in war.

The poem has been adapted for the stage by director Robert Lanchester, the Seminary’s assistant in speech. Seminary students make up the cast. The production is open to the public and free of charge, but seats are limited and must be reserved in advance. For reservations and/or information, contact Lois Haydu at 609.497.7963.

Princeton Theological Seminary was founded in 1812 as the first seminary established by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. It is the largest Presbyterian seminary in the country, with more than 700 students in seven graduate degree programs.