February 3 to March 8, 2009

• Written by James Still
• Directed by Stephen Rayne

To celebrate our grand reopening and the bicentennial of President Lincoln’s birth, Ford’s Theatre has commissioned a new play, The Heavens Are Hung In Black by award-winning playwright James Still. Heavens will be the first play offered in the newly renovated Ford’s Theatre.

Highlighting the five months between the death of Lincoln’s son Willie and the delivery of the Emancipation Proclamation, Heavens will offer audiences a glimpse into the person who was Abraham Lincoln. Faced with unbearable personal, political and historical pressures, Lincoln copes with the world around him and eventually, through an amazing transformation of thinking, conquers it. Don’t miss this exciting world premiere perfect to reopen the historic Ford’s Theatre.

Additional Info
Study guide for The Heavens Are Hung In Black.
Read notes from playwright James Still.
Watch videos of playwright James Still, director Stephen Rayne and actor David Selby.
View Slideshow from The Heavens Are Hung In Black.
See the cast and artistic team from The Heavens Are Hung In Black.

Post-Performance Discussions: Sunday, February 22 and March 1
Following the 2:30 p.m. matinee, members of the cast will take questions from the audience and discuss the artistic process. Post-performance discussions begin immediately after the performance. Individuals wishing to attend the discussion will be invited into the theatre after the audience from the performance departs.

This production made possible by BAE Systems, Verizon, BP America, Visa Inc., National Endowment for the Arts and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Chevron, a 2008-2009 Season Sponsor

Ford's Theatre stages Built by The Home Depot

Visit the Performance Calendar for specific show dates.

To purchase tickets, call Ticketmaster at (202) 397-SEAT or visit the Ticketmaster website. Groups of 20 or more can purchase tickets by calling (202) 638-2367.