Community conversation on death and dyingSept. 24, 2009 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University Theatre will present the world premiere of "Good Death" Oct. 8-17 in Williams Theatre at WMU's Gilmore Theatre Complex.
"Good Death" is an original collaboration, created entirely by WMU theatre students and members of the acclaimed Tectonic Theater Project. The production explores the hard questions and emotional conflict behind euthanasia, terminal illness, aging, medical ethics and other controversial topics. It is a result of intense research conducted this summer by WMU students, and explored and analyzed in rehearsal under the direction of the Tectonic Theater Project. Truly a community conversation, the script is compiled from verbatim interviews with terminally ill patients, spiritual leaders, players in the Dr. Kevorkian trial, advocates of euthanasia, the anti-euthanasia contingent, medical professionals and others. The court transcripts from the Kevorkian trial have also been incorporated. Cast and creative team Guest artists Leigh Fondakowski and Kelli Simpkins direct the all-student cast, which includes Therese Anderberg, Tori Blade, Jenna D'Angelo, Justin Garascia, Ethan Hedeen, Darren Johnston, Jasmine Lake, Crystal Lucas-Perry, Kenzie Ross, Joe Russell, Louie Sallan, Chad Sutton, Janai Travis, Max Wardlaw and Frank Williams. The "Good Death" creative team includes WMU staff member Kate MacKenzie, costume design, and students Ben Bauer, sound design; Kaitlyn Anderson, lighting design; Josh Reid, set design; and Emily R. Cherry, stage management. Ticket information General admission seating for "Good Death" at Williams Theatre is $20, $15 for senior citizens and WMU employees, and $5 for students. Tickets are available by calling (269) 387-6222, online at wmutheatre.com, or by visiting the Gilmore Theatre Complex Ticket Office, Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or downtown Kalamazoo's Epic Center Box Office. Group discounts are available. Tectonic Theater Project The Tectonic Theater Project is internationally renowned for its groundbreaking approach to theatre. Throughout the last 15 years, Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project have developed and refined a unique methodology, creating such significant American productions as "The Laramie Project" and "I am My Own Wife." Media contact: Emily Duguay, (269) 387-3227, emily.duguay@wmich.edu WMU News |
