Barter Theatre to Present World Premiere of 'Trains'

New play explores past tensions and an unexpected business proposition.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Historic Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Tennessee is announcing the world premiere of a new play called "Trains" that follows the characters of Travis Hampton and his father Lester. The play explores what happens when an unexpected visitor arrives with a business proposition, forcing buried memories and unresolved tensions back into the open and testing the fragile stability of their relationship.

Why it matters

The play marks the first production fully developed through Barter's Black Stories Voices Initiative, which aims to amplify diverse voices and perspectives in the theater's programming. As one of the longest-running professional theaters in the country, Barter's decision to premiere this new work is significant in highlighting underrepresented narratives.

The details

"Trains" will run from February 13 to February 28 at Barter's Smyth Theatre. Tickets and more information can be obtained by calling the box office or visiting the Barter Theatre website.

  • The world premiere of "Trains" will take place from February 13 to February 28, 2026.

The players

Barter Theatre

A historic professional theater located in Abingdon, Tennessee that is one of the longest-running theaters in the country.

Travis Hampton

A character in the new play "Trains" whose fragile sense of stability is tested by an unexpected visitor.

Lester Hampton

The father of the character Travis Hampton in the new play "Trains".

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The takeaway

Barter Theatre's premiere of the new play "Trains" represents an important step in the theater's efforts to amplify diverse voices and perspectives through its Black Stories Voices Initiative, highlighting underrepresented narratives on the stage.