Crowds watch the Hatfield – McCoy feud on stage
by Rebekah Pewitt • August 4, 2013
MCCARR, Ky. (WYMT) – A crowd gathered at Sunday’s showing of “Blood Song: The Story of the Hatfields and the McCoys.”
With the pull of the trigger, you’re back in the 1800s, and in the middle of the Hatfield – McCoy feud.
The play “Blood Song: The story of the Hatfields and the McCoys,” is playing at the Hatfield-McCoy outdoor theatre, which is just miles from the actual feud sites.
Actress Kimberly McCoy
“[We’re] less than a mile from the hog trial site and the election grounds and the well site, where the McCoy cabin was burned down. So it’s a very powerful area in which to portray the feud, and get in touch with these characters,” said Artistic Director, Lauren Stewart.
The actors say its location adds to the experience for both them and audiences.
“Just to know that what you’re portraying, you’re steeped in the history of it, every step you take, it happened all around you, said Co-Director, Jason Justice. “It’s really neat as an actor to experience that.”
Not only is the show in its authentic location, but has authentic family ties.
“I’m actually Devil Anse Hatfield’s 3-times great-granddaughter, and I married Asa Harmon mcCoy’s 3 time great grandson,” said Kimberly McCoy.
McCoy plays one of the McCoy girls in the show. She says playing the role has meant a lot.
“This is my heritage. When I speak about the Hatfield-McCoys, Im talking about my family,” McCoy said. “This is my heritage, my history that I explain to my children, and it’s important to us.”
And Arts officials say events like this show how important the region’s history is to everyone.
The play is the direct result of a joint effort of Pike County, The Hatfield and McCoy Arts Council, the Artists Collaborate Theatre, Pike County Tourism, and the University of Kentucky Extension of Fine Arts.
Visit www.hatfieldmccoyarts.com for show times and ticket information.
