By LISA G. CURRIE

By LISA G. CURRIE

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

It’s the story of a young man forced to quit school in the third grade and work in coal mine tunnels.

It’s the story of the invention of windshield wipers and indoor plumbing and heroes.

It’s a story told by a child — a story dramatized by a child — a story cherished by a child. It’s the story that has helped to make the child whole — one with his forefathers and mothers — unified as part of history.

All these stories, and others, are part of the upcoming production, “The Ties That Bind,” an original play based on stories of grandparents and elders as told to Rappahannock County students.

The production, which will be performed for the public on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Rappahannock County High School auditorium, written and directed by playwright and artist-in-residence Catherine Kiley and coordinated by artist Laurie Marshall, has taken months to complete.

Beginning last fall, children were asked to interview grandparents, elders and friends that might offer a story. Many stories were collected — only a few can be used in the production; the others Ms. Marshall hopes to save in a book produced with proceeds from the school proudction.

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experience, household chores, family food, entertainment, hopes or fears, escapades or adventures, changes or favorites like song, dance or friend.

The dramatics of the production are drawn from the children’s interpretations — taught by Ms. Kiley through basic improvisational techniques. The children worked out the exact portrayal of their characters and their story.

“It was not always easy,” Ms. Marshall said, adding, “but always worthwhile.” ,

Using original songs, supplied from Amissville’s Dick Pierson’s extensive library of classic American music, and under the direction of choreographer Jonathan Wolken of Connecticut and playwright Cathe