WMU Theatre stages poetic drama inspired by tragedy

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The University Theatre at Western Michigan University will kick off 2017 with an intimate production of the poetic drama, "The Women of Lockerbie," inspired by the crash of Pan Am 103. The play opens Jan. 27 and runs through Feb. 12 in the York Arena Theatre located inside WMU's Gilmore Theatre Complex.

A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son's remains that were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the women of Lockerbie, who are fighting the U.S. government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane's wreckage. The women, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victim's families.

WMU Theatre alum and part-time instructor Kate Thomsen will direct the all WMU student cast. When asked what makes this play special, Thomsen said, "For me, the play is such a beautiful exploration of human resilience and community. It reminds us how interconnected we are, and how we find meaning in our relationships with others. It so beautifully gives a sense of hope in our darkest moments, and it portrays that in such a human way."

Cast

Under Thomsen's direction, this all-student cast includes Rachel Carreri, Sebastiana Gullo, Garrett McCord, Audrey Morton, Duane Shabazz, Megan Troost, and Kaitlyn Wieckel.

Performance schedule

All performances of "The Women of Lockerbie" will be held in the York Arena Theatre located inside the Gilmore Theatre Complex on WMU's main campus.

• Friday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m.
• Thursday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets for University Theatre productions can be purchased online at wmutheatre.com, by calling (269) 387-6222 or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Box Office between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is $20 for the general public, $18 for seniors and WMU faculty and staff members, $10 for students, and $6 for WMU students. The Miller Auditorium Ticket Office also sells tickets to University Theatre productions.

For more information, visit wmutheatre.com.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.