Play Centers on Controversial Art from 9/11

A play debuting this weekend at Nashville’s Darkhorse Theatre revisits a controversy over public art depicting the events of 9/11.

“Rising & Falling…” was written by Valerie Hart, who wanted it to be on stage in time for the 10th anniversary of the twin tower attacks. The story is a bit of magical realism, but it’s based on an actual event.

In 2002, an artist named Eric Fischl sculpted a woman falling from the World Trade Center. It was taken off display at Rockefeller Center on the grounds it was too disturbing. Hart says her play could prick the same nerves.

“I’m going to put something out there, and it may disturb some people. But it’s something that I feel it’s important for me to do.”

Hart says her play uses the event as a starting point.

“My fictionalized character is named Marc Crestfall, and his piece is called ‘Woman Falls.’”

The rest of the characters are made up. One is a mother who lost a child in the attacks and is convinced the statue is her daughter.

Hart says she hopes her play honors those who died but also sparks discussion about the role of public art and what is acceptable.