The abrupt cancellation of Kentucky Shakespeare Festival’s run of “Twelfth Night” followed the resignation of lead actress Madison Dunaway, who left the production after requesting and receiving an emergency protective order on Monday evening against Kentucky Shakespeare producing artistic director Brantley Dunaway, who directed the production.

The two have been married for eight years and have two children.

In court documents obtained by WFPL, Madison alleges that on June 29, Brantley was angry with her following an argument and used abusive language. The next day, Madison alleges that Brantley threatened her and continued to harass her after she left home with their children. She also alleges that Brantley cut off her access to a bank account and removed passports, birth certificates and social security cards from their home. Her allegations also mention past physical abuse.

Kentucky Shakespeare board chair Allen Harris says the board was made aware of the protective order Monday evening, and that Madison tendered her resignation to him directly. Actors are employed on a contract basis with Kentucky Shakespeare.

The court documents say the two cannot be together at work. Further, he must remain at least 500 feet away from her at all times and cannot contact her in any way for any reason. A court date has been set for July 22.

Harris declined to comment further on the on-going legal matter. Neither Madison nor Brantley Dunaway have returned requests for comment.

When the production was cancelled Tuesday evening, Kentucky Shakespeare said an unnamed cast member had left the production for personal reasons. In an interview with WFPL today, Harris elaborated that the organization had no contingency plans for cast emergencies.

Court documents below: