“Dramatic performance of “Birdell” to be centerpiece of Liars Bench benefit show at WCU Mountain Heritage Center.”

Sylva November 5, 2012—Thursday November 15 at 7:00 pm The Liars Bench presents “Birdell” at WCUs Mountain Heritage Center

auditorium. “Birdell,” a dramatic monologue by Gary Carden starring Bobbie Curtis, is the story of a defiant mountain woman forced off her land by the TVA caused rising waters of Fontana Lake. Carden has announced that this show will be a benefit for the organization. Consequently there will be an admission charge of $10.00. Tickets will be available at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva and at the door the night of the show.

Carden said “although “Birdell” has plenty of pathos, its not just a dark, unrelenting tragedy. It has humor all the way through the play. Some of the things that Birdell does in her garden just might shock a Southern Baptist preacher.”

Actress Bobbie Curtis portrays Birdell Tolly's life and her battle against the federal government. Ms. Curtis' grandparents were forced off their land by the construction of the Bridgewater Dam which formed Lake James. Curtis says “I feel that I am really in her shoes and that I have been there.” Some of Carden's other plays she has performed in are “The Bright Forever” and Ketti Frings “Look Homeward Angel.”

Member Stars Gary Carden, Paul Iarussi will perform Southern Appalachian tales and music also.

Regular cast members include Gary Carden, Lloyd Arneach, Paul Iarussi, William Ritter, the Boys From Tuckaseegee, Barabra Duncan, Karen Barnes, and the show’s mascot Bodine. The Liars Bench recognizes established regional artists and performers and encourages new talent also.

“The Liars Bench is a unique blend of culturally accurate mountain Americana with traditional Southern Appalachian entertainment for everyone. We attempt to treat Appalachian culture with integrity and authenticity and to be an accurate reflection of the Southern Highlanders and their ways. No matter how successful the show becomes I want people to know that The Liars Bench is an honest rendering of Appalachian culture and tradition” said Carden.

The Liars Bench was created in the early summer of 2010 by Dr. Gary Carden, recipient of the 2008 Brown-Hudson Folklore Award and the 2012 North Carolina Award for Literature to promote Southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama, and folk arts.