To be a part of the Taloga Historical Outdoor Drama is to be a part of a family as well as history. The dozens of people involved, from cast to crew, devoted almost three months to preparing this year’s story—The Edge of the Wilderness—for the weekend’s performances.
This journey back takes a fictionalized look at Logan County’s past, telling about the adventures of Simon Kenton—who was captured and run through the gauntlet at Wapitomica. The play also includes Tecumseh’s birth and the massacre of Chief Logan’s family. Written by Dr. Jason Robson, a Bellefontaine dentist, over 30 years ago, this is one of four dramas the troupe cycles through year by year.
“It’s a way of keeping the history alive,” said Mychal Cox, who plays Little Turtle and serves as technical and production director. “But we’re also family here.”
The drama has been part of the Logan Hills Festival, which is held at Hall-Fawcett Park in Zanesfield, since its inception 42 years ago.
This year’s festival also includes food, drums, petanque (pronounced peh-talk; a lawn game similar to bocce ball), an auction and a parade.
Performances of The Edge of the Wilderness, which lasts just under two hours, are at 2 p.m. today (Saturday), May 28, and Monday, May 30, as well as one at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 30. Tickets sell for $4 per adult and $2 for children ages 5 to 10.
The Taloga Historical Outdoor Dramas hold the distinction of being the only one of its kind to have an all-volunteer cast of area residents. With 60 characters in the show, many of the actors take on more than one part.
“Most of us are in it every year,” Cox said. “Normally, the same actors come back. In fact, one couple has been involved for 40 years.”
More information and the three-day schedule are available at The Logan Hills Festival Facebook page.