520 Etc.: The Unique History of the Barter Theatre
Within the theatre community, the Barter Theatre of Abingdon, Virginia is legendary. Not only for their top-quality productions, but also for the unique way the theatre came into existence back in 1933.
During the Depression, most of the theatres throughout the country were shut down--partly because audiences couldn't afford to spend money on plays and partly because of the notion that it was somehow indecent to enjoy oneself during such difficult times.
One enterprising young actor from Abingdon, VA thought of a way around at least the financial hurdle of producing theatre. He allowed audiences to gain admission to his theatre in exchange for produce, dairy products and livestock. The price to see a play was 40 cents or the equivalent in goods. People in the area were elated by the chance to escape the challenges of daily life with a visit to the theatre and being able to barter goods for admission made the momentary escape possible. The theatre soon became known as The Barter Theatre.
Since the company had little chance of making actual money, they were forced to share a building with the town jail--which was situated directly beneath the stage. The noise from the cells combined with the noise from livestock made for fairly raucous performances!
Now one of the nation's oldest professional theatres, the Barter weathered the Depression and found financial success, although they do celebrate their beginnings by offering one performance per year that only requires a donation of food as an admission charge, which is then donated to charity.
The touring arm of the Barter Theatre will be making a stop in Knoxville on Sunday, October 1st with their original musical production, MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW: THE SONGS & STORY OF THE STANLEY BROTHERS.
The show tells of bluegrass legends, The Stanley Brothers, and their journey from their Appalachian mountain roots to record deals and onto stardom. Songs featured in the production include "How Mountain Girls Can Love", "I'll Fly Away" and "Rank Stranger". MAN OF CONSTANT SORROW has played to sold-out audiences at the Barter Theatre itself, and also on tour.
In true Barter Theatre fashion, part of the proceeds from their Tennessee Theatre shows will be donated to Volunteer Ministry Center.
For tickets, contact the Tennessee Theatre or call (865)864-1200.