'Lifting the Veil' set Nov. 16-19
November 11, 2011

“Lifting the Veil,” a play that examines issues such as knowing the will of God and manipulating people with religious language, will take the stage in Bryan College’s Brock Hall, Wed. - Sat., Nov. 16-19, 7:30 p.m.
 

	Kathryn Kuhlman (played by Tenika Dye) and Burroughs Walters (played by Jared Cole)

Jared Cole, who plays the role of Burroughs Walters, one of two main characters, said the play is based on events from the life of Kathryn Kuhlman, a faith healer and preacher who was popular in the 1950s through the 1970s. “She fainted during her wedding, and the playwright took that, along with other information, and wove it into a play that takes place on their wedding night, when nothing goes according to plan,” Mr. Cole said.
 
Starring opposite Mr. Cole is Rhea County native Tenika Dye as Kathryn Kuhlman. Ms. Dye works with the Chattanooga Salvation Army’s ReCreate Café, an arts program for homeless persons.
 
“The play delves into theological discussions about knowing the will of God, trusting the Word of God, and knowing and trusting each other,” Mr. Cole said. “It looks at manipulative religious language often used in the evangelical community. It deals with two preachers, Ms. Kuhlman and Mr. Walters—whose name actually was Burroughs Waltrip—who know the Bible inside and out and use it as a way to either confirm their position or to get the other to accept what they say.
 
“There is a good amount of humor that keeps the mood from getting too heavy for too long, usually at the expense of my character,” he said.

After each performance the players will hold a talk back session with the audience to discuss the characters and the themes of the play.
 
Admission is $2, and tickets are available at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Rachel Morgan Scholarship Fund, which assists theatre students at the college.