Please note that announcements that have previously been featured on this page are now available on the News Archive page.

The Andersonville Trial

Under the direction of Ed Monk, the Chantilly Drama Department will present Saul Levitt's, The Andersonville Trial.

A striking courtroom drama about a famous event in American history: the military trial of Henry Wirz, who was commander of the Confederate prison at Andersonville during the Civil War. As told by Chapman from the NY Daily News: "Wirz, a Swiss immigrant and a doctor, had enlisted in the rebel army had been severely wounded and, a semi-invalid had been put in command of this military prison. It was merely a stockade with no shelter from winter or summer, and its food consisted of rough corn bread. In summer, Wirz testified at his trial, a hundred men died there each day...Torn by awful memories and coldly pursued by his prosecutor he [Wirz] maintains that he ran Andersonville as a soldier acting under superior orders." The crux of this stirring play raises the question of when the responsibility of the individual to his conscience transcends any power or authority.

"Even though this play is dated in the Civil War era, the themes within it hold much relevance to us today. Therefore I chose a stylistic directing approaching where there will be a mix of characters from the civil war era as well as modern day military. The set, lighting and costumes will also reflect this direct comparison of the then and now," said Director Ed Monk.

The cast is comprised of 35 performers from Chantilly High School and twelve student technicians to ensure everything behind the scene runs smoothly. "This is our Cappies production, so a lot of special attention to detail has been given in all areas of the production," Said student technician, Kelsay Arnsmeyer.