Word for Word and Z Space present:

Hard Times:
Appalachian Stories By RoN Rash

Directed by Jim Cave and Amy Kossow

October 8 - November 2
in Z Below

Ron Rash is an award-winning American writer known for his novels, short stories, and poetry that are often set in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. His writing is characterized by exploration of themes like displacement and cultural loss, the tension between past and present, a blend of realistic detail with occasional supernatural elements, and a commitment to exploring universal human concerns through the lens of a specific place and culture.

"The Night the New Jesus Fell to Earth" – A comedic, contemporary tale of Appalachia takes a wry look at marriage and relationships through the lens of a questionable religious observance.

In “Sad Man in the Sky,” a troubled man approaches a helicopter operator and offers money to be taken up for a pass over a very specific neighborhood.

"Hard Times", the lead story in Ron Rash's 2010 Frank O'Connor Prize winning collection Burning Bright is a work written from deep knowledge, compassion, and an unfiltered view of American Appalachia of the 1930's, about poor, isolated, marginalized families of the Great Depression. A dispute between neighbors over some missing eggs leads to a heartbreaking conclusion.

Show Schedule

Previews: Wed 10/8 and Thur 10/9, 7pm, Fri 10/10 8pm
Opening Night: Sat 10/11 8pm
Run of Show: 10/12 - 11/2 | Wed & Thurs 7pm | Fri & Sat 8pm | Sun 2pm
 
Masked Performances Wednesday 10/15 and Sunday 10/26. Masks required for all audience members, bar will not be open.


30 and Under Pizza & Beer Night - Wed, October 22 | 6pm Pizza & Beer | 7pm Show

Join us for a little imbibery bribery—a special offer for young theater-goers. Tickets for this performance of Annunciation are only $15 for those under 30. Join us pre-show for free pizza and beer upstairs in the Z Space lobby for all ticket holders! Since we're all young at heart, you don’t have to be 30 or under to join in the fun, just to get the special ticket price.  ID (21 and over) required for alcohol consumption.


Would you consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help support a moving, fun, and most importantly LIVE theater experience for your community?


For Press Inquiries, please contact Word for Word’s press agent Liam Passmore at Shave and a Haircut, liam@shaveandahaircut.biz.


Word for Word is proud to support the Children’s Book Project, which provides books to children, advancing equity in literacy, learning, and life. Please bring a new or gently used children’s book to donate during the run of the show, and help support this worthy cause. Learn more here.


Word for Word’s 2025 season is generously sponsored by Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Read more about FIGR and Word for Word's ongoing partnership here.