The Arkansas Repertory Theatre works in partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service to participate in the UACS’s Distinguished Speaker Series, hosting educational panel discussions on various Rep productions. The latest in these takes place on Thursday, January 24 at 12 noon at Sturgis Hall in Clinton Presidential Park.

The panel discussions are led by Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp and include insights from guest directors, actors and Bob himself on bringing compelling stories to The Rep stage.  Join Rep Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp and Gee’s Bend Director Gilbert McCauley and cast for a panel discussion on this true story.  Call the Clinton School at (501) 683-5239 for reservations.

Gee’s Bend follows Sadie Pettway and her family as they turn to quilting to provide comfort and creative expression to their lives. What begins as a labor of love soon turns into a spiritual and artistic awakening. Pieced together from discarded clothes and seasoned with laughter and tears, the women sew a patchwork of inventive abstract designs in rich, blazing colors.

The play is based on the true story of the women of Gee’s Bend, whose quilts have been on a national exhibition tour including the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

The production, written by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, starts tonight and runs through February 10.  Opening night is Friday, January 25.  Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday Matinees performances are at 2 p.m.