ASF Insights

This series provides a thought-provoking and behind-the-scenes look at the work on the stage and the art of theatre.

Sponsored by Auburn University at Montgomery.

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ReCON$truXion
ASF Patrons’ Room

Saturday, Apr. 25 at 12:45 p.m.

Speaker: Tom Bryant, Dramaturg for ReCON$truXion

Setting the Record Straight: The Facts of Reconstruction  

Join us for an in-depth look at the Reconstruction era and the development of ASF’s newest commissioned play ReCON$truXion by Robert Schenkkan.

Dramaturg Tom Bryant takes us through an engaging ASF Insights lecture as he unpacks the elusive story of how history is told — and retold. Tom will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the play, the facts of the Reconstruction era, and the political and cultural influences that cause the view of history to change over time. This conversation will invite patrons to think more critically about the stories we inherit and the ones we choose to tell.

About the speaker: Tom Bryant is known for his work as a dramaturg in the development of new plays on Broadway and in America’s regional theaters. He has a long association working with Robert Schenkkan on new plays including The Kentucky Cycle, The Great Society, Lewis and Clark Reach the Euphrates, and All the Way, which premiered at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and then moved to Broadway where it won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2014. Other dramaturg credits include Roe by Lisa Loomer at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arena Stage, and Berkeley Repertory Theater. His book The Dramaturgy of History was published by Routledge in 2024.

ReCON$truXion is a play commissioned and developed through ASF’s Southern Writers Project, which is endowed generously by Laurie Jean Weil, D.V.M.

Bard Talk

30 minutes before each public performance of a Shakespeare play, join us for a brief summary of the production’s themes, plot points, and story. Led by Dramaturg Dr. Susan Willis.

Sponsored by Auburn University at Montgomery.

Conversations at Kress

Using ASF’s plays as inspiration, our facilitators will lead community town halls about current issues in our region. Guest panelists will include local elected officials, school board members, students, thought leaders, community members, and artists. Hosted by Kress on Dexter.

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ReCON$truXion

Saturday, April 25

5:00 p.m. mingle, 5:30 p.m. conversation begins

Kress Building

39 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104

1st Floor Community Room

Reconstruction Reconsidered: Where do we go from here? 

Join us for a thought-provoking community conversation that will examine the legacy of Reconstruction and how narratives are constructed, destructed, challenged, and redefined. This special town hall in connection with the world premiere of ReCON$truXion will be FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be available. The event will bring together historians, civic leaders, and community voices to examine how narratives of Reconstruction have been shaped over time and what that means for us now.

Moderater:
Dr. Shakita Brooks-Jones

Panelists:

• Dr. Richard Bailey – Post-War Reconstruction era Historian and author
• Tom Bryant – Dramaturg, ReCON$truXion
• Marche’ Johnson – Montgomery City Councilwoman
• Michael Morris – Director of Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Talkbacks

Audience members at select performances are led in a postshow discussion about the themes of the play.

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ReCON$truXion
Octagon Stage

Sun., April. 26, 2026
Following 2:00 p.m. matinee

Featuring cast members and crew of ReCON$truXion

Join us for a special post-show conversation with the cast and crew of ReCON$truXion and learn about the creative process behind this special world premiere.

ReCON$truXion is a play commissioned and developed through ASF’s Southern Writers Project, which is endowed generously by Laurie Jean Weil, D.V.M.