Wake Forest Stages Romulus Linney’s “Holy Ghosts”

The Wake Forest University Theatre production runs through Nov. 17.

A young housewife (senior Tiffany Burleson) runs away from her abusive husband (junior Bo Perry) and finds refuge in the Amalgamation Holiness Church of God With Signs Following. An eclectic array of characters practice their faith by singing, praying and handling snakes.

“The play is about acceptance and love and people getting what they need,” said Sharon Andrews, director of the play.

The playwright, Linney, spent a weekend at Wake Forest in October working with the cast. He will return to campus to lead discussions for the audience immediately following the Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, performances.

Linney, who spent part of his childhood in North Carolina and now teaches at Columbia University, will also lead a playwriting workshop on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free workshop will be held in the Ring Theatre.

Bill J. Leonard, dean of Wake Forest’s divinity school, will give a pre-show talk regarding snake-handling at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, in the Ring Theatre.

All performances begin at 8 p.m. in the Mainstage Theater, except a Nov. 17 matinee performance at 2 p.m. Tickets, available at the theater box office (759-5295), are $10; $5 for students. The box office is open weekdays from 12-5:30 p.m.