By Terry L. May News Editor | Mar 10, 2026
The infamous Hatfields and McCoys will be leaving the mountains and hollers of Eastern Kentucky and heading out to the big city at the other end of the state to share their historic story during an upcoming Louisville theater festival.
According to Treyton Daniels, public relations director for Artists Collaborative Theatre, the company’s annual season finale — “Blood Song: The Story of the Hatfields and the McCoys” — will be featured at the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s 2026 Storytelling Revolution Festival.
“ATL’s nationally recognized festival consistently draws thousands of artists, theatre leaders and audience members from across the country,” Blackburn said. “When ‘Blood Song’ takes the stage, Appalachian voices and talent will be showcased at the center of that national spotlight.”
He said the play was specially commissioned by ACT and the Hatfield-McCou Arts Council 13 years ago and was written by Chelsea Marcantel. It will be performed in the Pamela Brown Auditorium at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, April 10–11. The play will be directed by Jason Justice.
“Blood Song” was written in collaboration with local historians and living descendants of both families, Blackburn said.
“It tells the story of the Hatfield-McCoy Feud and captures the heart and history of our mountains,” he said. “Twenty-five years of violence, two families, one story. ‘Blood Song: The Story of the Hatfields and the McCoys’ is the official Kentucky state play on the feud and is widely regarded as the most historically accurate retelling of the true events.
“‘Blood Song’ is a gripping rumination on family, community and the cycle of violence,” Blackburn continued. “Over the past 13 years, it has toured annually throughout Eastern Kentucky. ‘Blood Song’ has been recognized, in a joint resolution between the governor’s office and the Kentucky General Assembly, as the official state play about the feud.”
Tickets for the special Louisville performances start at $30.
Artists Collaborative Theater is seeking sponsorships ranging from $250 to $5,000 to help cover the cost of attending the festival. Sponsorships include ads in programs and playbills, t-shirts and ACT season passes — depending on the package selected. Also, all ads will carry over throughout the remainder of the 2025-26 season, which will close out with the performance of “Blood Song” at the Breaks Interstate Park Amphitheater.
Blackburn said that sponsors will not only help ACT, but will also help support the local economic and tourism efforts.
“This production features Appalachian actors telling an Appalachian story — authentically and powerfully,” he said. “When audiences experience ‘Blood Song,’ they want to learn more. They visit Pike County and Mingo and Logan counties in West Virginia.
“They explore historic sites, stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants and shop in small businesses,” Blackburn continued. “By supporting our travel to Louisville, you position your business as a champion of Appalachian culture, heritage and opportunity.
Details of the sponsorships can be found on Facebook at Artists Collaborative Theatre or by contacting ACT Treasurer Sarah Bentley at, sbentley0078@gmail.com.
