A small, community theater in Crawfordville is struggling to stay open. Fans of the Palaver Tree Theater are hoping other folks who love the performing arts will help.
David Kirby is one of those fans. He's a celebrated Florida State University Professor and poet with a long list of artistic credits on his resume. He loves how the Palaver Tree Theater features so many works that are usually found only in the really big cities.
"One of my favorite things in this life is when somebody says, 'I saw Edward Albee's Three Tall Women in New York last year,' suggesting that you're not as noble as they are because you haven't had that elite experience. I just love to say, "You know, I saw the same play, but I saw it on Shadeville Road in Crawfordville, Florida.'"
He also sees the little playhouse as a valuable cultural resource for the entire region.
"You know, they connect you to the community. You see the vitality of the arts and see these things coming up from ordinary people and spreading to two people like you and me and making life better. We need one more Palaver Tree Theater in this world and not one less."
But the latter could happen if more financial help doesn't come soon. Palaver Tree Theater Founder Herb Donaldson worries this year could be the last if the community doesn't respond.
