The entire diocese is invited to attend performances of T.S. Elliot’s drama "Murder in the Cathedral" at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh September 25, 26 and 27.

The classic drama focuses on the life and witness of Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket, who was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170. His murderers were allegedly acting on the order of King Henry II. Becket had been Henry’s good friend, chancellor and finally archbishop. However, as archbishop, Becket became increasingly independent and finally hostile to King Henry’s plans to strip the church of some of its ancient authority. Becket became a martyr of the church and his shrine at Canterbury became one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in medieval Christendom.

The staging of "Murder in the Cathedral" is a joint venture between the diocese’s Celebrate 250 initiative, which undertook the renovation of Trinity Cathedral’s exterior, and Saltworks, a non-profit professional arts company.

Members of the Saltworks Company form the core of the cast, including David Minniefield as Thomas Becket and Dale Harris as a Tempter/Knight. Leading the Chorus of women will be Karen Merritt and the choreographer will be Amy Dunlap of St. Philip’s, Moon Township. Open auditions for remaining parts will be held at the Saltworks office at the Church of the Ascension on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in participating in the production is invited and will be asked to read from the script.

The production will open Thursday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. Additional performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Saltworks Box Office at 412-621-6150 X 204. Tickets are $15. Tickets will also be available at the door.  A bulletin insert detailing the event is available as a PDF download here.

-posted August 15, 2008-