Galileo lives!

At least it will seem that way, as Roy Henderson brings the great scientist to life in a one-man performance of Rusty Bynum's "Legacy of Galileo" Thursday at Berea College. The 8 p.m. event, scheduled in Phelps Stokes Chapel, is free and open to the public.

Through the humorous, sometimes cynical, and occasionally pontifical eyes of the great Galileo, the audience will learn about the man, the Renaissance, European history, the Inquisition, the Reformation, science, astronomy and more in a highly entertaining format.

With more than 47 years of experience in theatrical arts, Henderson holds baccalaureate degrees in drama, acting, directing and English literature from the University of London and the Central School of Speech and Drama. He spent five years as an actor with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company in England, including a command performance for Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family.

Henderson has created, directed, performed and advised presentations of all kinds on five continents, that have included overseas entertainment of the British Armed Forces, Middle Eastern radio theatre, and theatrical tours in Europe and Africa. He also has appeared in several English and American films.

Since his arrival in the U.S., Henderson has served as director, advisor and actor with several theatre companies and training organizations. Currently, he serves as artistic director of the Parnassus Institute and Theatre Company, a non-profit professional touring company based in Tennessee.

Playwright Bynum, educated at the University of Texas at El Paso, has won accolades as a playwright and awards for her work in fiction and non-fiction. She also teaches creative writing. Other plays include the modern comedies "Stepwidows," "The Birthday Party," and the historic biography series Encounters with Genius which includes "Legacy of Galileo."