Hamner theater hosting historical play

By Erin McGrath


Published: May 28, 2008

One of Nelson County’s most notorious murders and trials is being brought back into the spotlight and given a new twist.

“A Shadow of Honor,” a play written by Peter Coy about the murder of Theodore Estes, debuted at the Hamner Theater in Afton on May 23 and will run until June 1.

More than a century ago, on April 22, 1907, Judge William Loving shot Estes twice while Estes was helping to unload fertilizer from a boxcar in Shipman.

Only the second murder in Nelson’s history up until that point, it happened after Loving’s daughter claimed Estes took her on a buggy ride, where she said he drugged and took advantage of her.

The events that followed drew attention from around the country.

Coy’s original version of the play, which told the story of the way Loving dealt with the murder, was shown during Nelson’s bicentennial celebration.

The new version has another story involved, Coy said.

“It’s a whole new play,” he said. “This is two stories interwoven together. It’s a lot more interesting and more of a challenge to put together.”

The two stories take place simultaneously to each other, one during 1907 and the other, in 2007. They take a look at the issues surrounding the effects of war on those who survive it and the legacy that is handed down to the following generations.

The production stars Jonas Collins as William Ruffin, a character adaptation of William Loving. Rebecca Hudnall plays his wife, Caroline Ruffin and Holly Schumann plays his daughter, Grace Ruffin.

Jim Johnston plays the lawyer, Aubrey Strode.

Richard Averitt and Rose Harper play a couple, Tyler and Kathy McNeill, who have unknowingly moved into the Ruffin house a century later.