Westport associate artistic director David Kennedy will lead the free symposium that will follow the 3 PM matinee of Jason Miller's Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Gersten served as the associate producer of the original production of That Championship Season when it premiered at the Public Theater in 1972 and transferred to Broadway.

"Though lesser known than other American classics, That Championship Season is one of the most vital American dramas of the '70s, so I'm glad we have this opportunity to explore Miller's signature work in greater depth," said Kennedy in a statement. "And since Bernie Gersten was there at the beginning, I'm sure he'll offer a unique perspective on that first production, the play's impact on the theatre world of the time, and its lasting importance in the American canon. It's sure to be a fantastic conversation."

That Championship Season will run Aug. 25-Sept. 12 under the direction of Westport artistic director Mark Lamos. The cast includes Robert Clohessy (Pal Joey, Twelve Angry Men), John Doman ("The Wire), Tony nominee Lou Liberatore (Burn This), Tom Nelis (The Medium) and Skipp Sudduth (South Pacific, The Iceman Cometh).

According to press notes, "That Championship Season takes place at a reunion of a high school basketball coach, now retired, and four members of the team that he guided to the state championship 20 years earlier. As the evening progresses, secrets are revealed, loyalties tested and the foundation of their long-held dreams is found to be fraudulent."

For tickets visit WestportPlayhouse.