Smoky Mountain News

Western Carolina University will offer a series of films on topics from local food to the life of a forgotten civil rights activist as it again hosts the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers this year.

First up is “Joe Papp in Five Acts” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 in the theater of A.K. Hinds University Center. The feature-length documentary tells the story of the New Yorker who introduced interracial casting to the American stage and created the concept of free Shakespeare in the Park and the Broadway classics “Hair” and “A Chorus Line.”

Stage and screen veterans offering insights on Papp’s accomplishments and tumultuous personal history include Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Kevin Kline and James Earl Jones. Tracie Holder and Karen Thorson wrote, directed and produced the film. Holder will be on hand for the post-screening discussion. Refreshments will be provided.

828.227.3622 or email ledavis.wcu.edu.