LITCHFIELD, Conn. - s4story -- On Saturday, June 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center at 229 East Litchfield Road in Litchfield will welcome professional actor Douglas Hertler in his performance of his self-written play, "Merton And Me – A Living Trinity". This program is one of several scheduled throughout 2023 by Wisdom House to commemorate the 55 years since the passing of Thomas Merton on December 10, 1968.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is arguably the most influential American Catholic author of the 20^th century. His autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain: An Autobiography Of Faith", has sold over one million copies and translated into over 20 languages. The Trappist Monk authored 60+ books plus hundreds of poems and articles on topics ranging from monastic spirituality to civil rights, non-violence, and the nuclear arms race.

Hertler describes "Merton and Me" as an 'intimate act of storytelling, a spiritual journey which explores the struggles of youth, complexities of faith, and universal search for meaning and identity in an increasingly chaotic and divided world."

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Inspired by his life-changing encounter with Merton's writings, Hertler's play explores the dynamics of the false self as seen through the eyes of the actor whose very vocation calls him to become someone other than himself. Hertler depicts in his play his life-transforming readings of Merton's books, most notably "No Man Is An Island".

The character of Merton 'appears and reappears' throughout the play which Hertler believes "serves as a mirror to the soul, challenging the audience to reflect on two of the most humbling and elusive of all questions, "Who am I?" and "What am I supposed to do with my life?"

A professional actor in television, film, and theater, Hertler is also a playwright, retreat leader, and New York City tour guide. He is an actor and educator at Fordham School of Law, and is a member of the International Thomas Merton Society and the American Teilhard Association.

Wisdom House is an interfaith retreat and conference center presenting programs in spirituality, wellness, the arts, and ecology, and offering hospitality to academic, civic, nonprofit, and business organizations. Wisdom House Executive Director Deborah Kelly  expressed excitement that Wisdom House will offer "several programs in 2023 to celebrate the contributions of Thomas Merton."

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Two pricing tiers are offered for the June 17 play. For the morning performance and lunch, the cost is $35 per person. For attendees who would like to spend time with Mr. Hertler after lunch for reflective conversation and Q&A dialogue around the play's themes, attendees' personal experiences during the play, and Thomas Merton's life, the cost is $60 per person.

For reservations, visit www.wisdomhouse.org/programs, or call 860-567-3163.