In the extremely intimate setting of the historic Hunter House Victorian Museum (Norfolk, VA), Core Theatre Ensemble will showcase their award winning production like never before. The Lizzie Borden murder case captivated the nation over one hundred years ago and is still considered “one of the most dastardly and diabolical crimes that was ever committed.” Andrew and Abby Borden’s bodies were found axed to death in their home in August 1892; their daughter Lizzie was arrested and charged days later. The case was surrounded by a passionately divided public. The opinion of women and the extent of their capabilities fueled an intense debate concerning her guilt or innocence. Lizzie was ultimately acquitted of all charges due to circumstantial evidence, incompetent prosecution, and the pervading delusion that a “woman is incapable of doing so foul a deed.” 

Core has performed 40 Whacks at Fêtes Internationales du Théâtre-Quebec, The Brick Theater-New York, and Tarptautinis Universitetinių Teatrų Forumas IUTF-Lithuania where it was awarded for Best Production and Best Performer. Most recently it was presented at Zeiders American Dream Theater, VB, VA. 

This unique experience has very limited space. 

Age recommendation: 15+ Content advisory: Blood, violence, adult themes

Directors: Edwin Castillo, Laura Agudelo 

Stage Manager: Kelly Gilliam 

Cast: 

Lizzie Borden - Emel Ertugrul 

Emma Borden - Nancy Dickerson 

Andrew Borden - Brian Cebrian 

Abby Borden - Rachel Gary 

Bridget - Blair Heinz 

Jennings - Edwin Castillo 

About Core: Core is an international touring independent theater company that has been creating since 2006. Totaling over 85 productions in 5 countries, CTE is headed by Emel Ertugrul and Edwin Castillo with artistic associates Laura Agudelo and Nancy Dickerson. They most recently presented 40 Whacks: The Nightmare of Lizzie Borden at Zeiders, VB. Previous Norfolk Theatre Festival productions include The Scarlet Letter, The Yellow Wallpaper, No Exit, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 

They work with a philosophy and focus on the performer as the individual and within the ensemble. Their works gravitate towards the group event and the creation process highlights working towards the common goal of performance and presentation. Theatrical collaborations and coproductions include Centro di Creazione Teatrale-Italy, A. Pulka Physical Theater-Lithuania, University of Vilnius-Lithuania, Old Dominion University, Warehouse of Theater, Virginia Stage Company, Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, and Alchemy NFK. CTE’s mission is to create innovative, compelling work that is challenging to the actors involved and engaging to the audiences who watch. We seek to make great theater and have great people see it.