The University of Mount Union will host “A View from the Underside: The Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” in the Gallaher Theatre on October 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The one-man play was adapted by and will be performed by Al Staggs. The play tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who was arrested by Gestapo in April 1943 and later executed in April 1945. During his imprisonment, Bonhoeffer wrote letters, essays and poems and continued his religious teaching and outreach. The letters he wrote during those two years were smuggled out of prison and posthumously published in Letters and Papers from Prison. 

In the play, Staggs brings the audience into Bonhoeffer’s cell where he is awaiting execution and listens to his struggles with evil, injustice and God.

Staggs has performed one-person shows and lectures for churches, colleges, seminaries and conferences throughout the world. After serving as a pastor for nearly 25 years, he became a full-time performing artist.  He also writes poetry related to themes of peace and justice.

The show is free and open to the public, although tickets are required.  Tickets are available online at www.mountunion.edu/boxoffice, by calling the box office at 330-821-2565 or visiting the box office, Monday-Friday; 2-4:30 p.m.