WESTPORT, CT — Westport Country Playhouse will present "The History of a Brief Time," a solo work written and performed by author and activist Bill Williams, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.
The 75-minute performance focuses on the death of Williams' son, William, from an accidental heroin overdose and his family's experience with grief and healing.
The event is part of the Playhouse's Barnstormer Series and will take place in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center, adjacent to the theater at 25 Powers Court in Westport.
Tickets are $20, with unreserved seating. Attendance is limited to 70 people. The performance is recommended for high school-age audiences and older.
"This is a beautiful tale of strength, healing and connection from a wonderfully talented writer, teacher, performer- and father," said Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. "Bill's desire to share his experiences with others so as to eliminate the stigma surrounding addiction, as well as his ability to create communities for healing and support is on full display in this remarkable performance. In this solo piece, Bill manages to deliver laughter, joy, love, and a tremendous sense of empathy and kindness amidst the sorrows he relates."
Williams' son died in 2012 at age 24. At his memorial service, Williams, his wife and daughter made a pledge to address drug abuse, addiction treatment and the stigma surrounding addiction.
"We promise to do everything in our power to educate and inform people about drug abuse and its prevention, to provide ever more enlightened treatment for addicts, to help make treatment options for addicts more readily available, and to remove the stain of shame surrounding this disease," the family said.
Since then, Williams has written more than 50 essays on addiction. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Harvard Health Blog, Nora's, Medium, Alcohol and Addiction Weekly, Treatment Magazine and other publications and local newspapers. His blog is archived at the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Williams and his wife, Margot Head, have spoken before three congressional committee hearings and a U.S. Senate forum on addiction. Williams has also addressed staff at the National Institute for Drug Abuse and spoken to community groups, medical organizations, schools and colleges.
Williams hosts "The Kingfisher Project," a monthly radio program on WJFF Radio 90.5 FM. The program is also available as a podcast through WJFF Radio.
The Barnstormer Series presents small events in the Lucille Lortel White Barn Center, including music and play readings. Events are limited to 70 attendees.
Barbara Streicker is the Playhouse's 2026 programming and season sponsor. Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio are media sponsors. Westport Country Playhouse is a nonprofit organization.
More information about "The History of a Brief Time," including tickets, is available through Westport Country Playhouse. Tickets and other Playhouse information are also available by calling the box office at 203-227-4177 or 1-888-927-7529.
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