The Chamber Theatre opens “The Harlan Women” this September, bringing a fresh take on Euripides’ “The Trojan Women.” Set in the hills of Harlan County, KY, during the 1930s “little coal wars,” the play follows a group of women who rise up after a devastating mining accident to fight for their families and their community.
Catch “The Harlan Women” September 4, 5, and 6 at NoCo Arts Center in Jeffersonville, then again September 11, 12, and 13 outdoors at Louisville Visual Art. Each evening’s performance starts at 7 p.m., with doors opening half an hour earlier to welcome guests. Alyssa Hendricks leads the production as director, while Griffin Cobb handles music direction. The play features protest songs from the era, including “Which Side Are You On,” “We Shall Not Be Moved,” and “Bread and Roses.”
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“When James mentioned his idea of resetting The Trojan Women in the hills of Eastern Kentucky, I was fascinated,” said Michelle Lori, artistic co-director and co-playwright. “Lucky for me, he invited me to collaborate on what has become a dynamic story of the strength and resolve that women muster when fighting for justice for their communities, a universal theme across time.” Lori also plays the role of Hecuba, the matriarch and lead organizer.
Tickets range from twelve to twenty-four dollars and are available at thechambertheatre.org. For more information or group rates, email thechambertheatre@gmail.com.
This article appears in Jul 4-31, 2025.