From this day forward in 34th season

From This Day Forward in 34^th season

The outdoor drama at the Amphitheater in Valdese will be Friday & Saturday nights, July 13- August 18, with a special Sunday performance on August 12. All performances begin with a pre-show at 8:15. Tickets: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and students. Group rates are available.

Ancestors of the Valdese settlers fled into the small valleys of the rugged Alps between Italy and France to escape persecution during the middle ages. They refused to join the established church and abandon their simple yet steadfast faith in God. They faced a life of hiding, of worshiping in secrecy of committing to memory the Bible, always fearing they might be discovered.

The persecutions ended on February 17, 1848 with King Charles Albert of Sardinia granting the Waldenses certain religious and civil liberties. This was a time of relative prosperity for the Waldenses, which ironically led to a surplus of population. Soon the plots of land in the valleys have been so sub-divided that families found it difficult to meet their needs. The Waldenses would have to look elsewhere if they hoped to survive, so many made plans to emigrate to other parts of the world, including other European countries, South Africa, South American, and the United States.

“From This Day Forward” follows the latter emigrants, those who crossed in steamship steerage quarters and traveled to America, to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. They felt cold winter winds blowing through the cracks of their crude cabins. They saw not green, fertile fields, but rocks and tree stumps that must be cleared from poor soil by their families.

“From This Day Forward” is a story of sacrifices for principle and a unique struggle to overcome poverty. Between your tear-filled eyes and heart-felt laughter, you will relive with the Waldenses, their heritage.

For tickets and more information for this 500 seat outdoor drama call (828) 874-0176 or email at opc@hci.net