My Friend Zelma: Majorie Kinnan Rawlings On Trial

My Friend Zelma: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings On Trial is an original play, written by UF Distinguished Professor of History Dr. Michael Gannon, where local history comes to trial. All performances will be presented at The Center for Spiritual Living at 1795 Old Moultrie Rd. Friday, April 4 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 5 at 4:00 pm, and Sunday, April 6 at 7:30 pm. A portion of the April 5 matinee proceeds will benefit The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society and will be followed by a short post-show discussion of the play.

Directed by Deborah Dickey, My Friend Zelma presents the landmark trial of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings for Invasion of Privacy. Rawlings was a Pulitzer-winning author who lived in rural Cross Creek, Florida as well as having a home in Crescent Beach. She wrote novels and stories focusing on rural themes, including The Yearling and Cross Creek.

In her novel, Cross Creek, Mrs. Rawlings mentioned her good friend Zelma Cason. Cason did not like the description given of her and sued Mrs. Rawlings for Invasion of Privacy. Cason and Rawlings had been close until the publication of Cross Creek soured their friendship and led to a colorful courtroom battle. The trial drew nationwide attention and was a landmark case in the question of the “right of privacy” in the state of Florida.

Tickets are available on aclassictheatre.org