Libertyville native returns to stage in Shattered Globe's Abe Lincoln drama
Tim Kough took a nearly two-decade break from acting to raise his family.
When the Libertyville native returned to the stage, he'd found that many things in the industry had changed. But the subject matter in his newest show, a historic portrayal of Abraham Lincoln's attempts to lead a divided country, features topics still relevant today.
Kough plays Ward Hill Lamon, a friend of Lincoln's and his self-appointed bodyguard, in Shattered Globe Theatre's Chicago premiere of “The Heavens are Hung in Black” at Theater Wit.
“The audience will be challenged by the subject matter, especially with what's going on right now in the country,” Kough says. “They'll learn about the personal struggles Lincoln had and how important it was for him to preserve the Union at all costs.”
The play, by Pulitzer Prize nominee James Still, focuses on Lincoln's struggles in the months leading up to his signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The play explores his humanity, conscience and leadership, as he's touched by dreams of famous adversaries and unnamed soldiers. The show features text pulled from his letters and speeches.
“'The Heavens are Hung in Black' portrays a transformational moment in Abraham Lincoln's life and worldview,” says director Louis Contey. “In 1862, after nearly a year of bloody civil war, Lincoln must find a way of elevating the purpose of the conflict and save the Union. The play, for me, embodies the essence of moral leadership and the idea of doing the right thing for the right reason, or as Lincoln himself states, listening 'to the better angels of our nature.'”
For his role, Kough read historic correspondence and spent time with the playwright, who helped shed insight on his purpose for writing the show.
The play will challenge viewers on their thoughts of racial division, Kough says, which are still apparent today.
It's complex subject matter that Kough is eager to tackle. He began doing Chicago theater in the 1980s and 1990s before taking a break when he and his wife became foster parents and ultimately adopted two children. Now, as his kids near 18, he has returned to the stage and found his passion for theater hasn't waned a bit.
“It's remarkable; I have such a wider love of the entire process of theater and a deeper understanding of what motivates people to do it and appreciation for the efforts it takes,” he says.
He's still working on refining his stage process and getting used to an industry that has changed over two decades.
“It's changed a lot for the better, as far as inclusion in the industry,” he says. “I've also noticed that expectations are higher for the audience to have an immediate identification with characters.”
Kough says he's grateful to be part of “The Heavens are Hung in Black.” “With the projections and multimedia elements and the music,” he says, “it's really going to be a spectacular, epic production.”
“The Heavens are Hung in Black”
Location: Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, (773) 975-8150,
Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 21. No 8 p.m. performance Oct. 7; additional 3 p.m. matinee Oct. 21.
Tickets: Previews $20, regular run $35. Student, senior and other discounts available.