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University Theatre presents 'Good Death' benefit

by Tonya Durlach

May 16, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of WMU theatre production Good Death.
"Good Death"
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University Theatre returns to the stage with a production that has gained international attention. "Good Death: A Community Conversation," which premiered in Kalamazoo in fall 2009, is back for two shows Sunday, June 5.

Performances begin at 4 and 7 p.m. in York Arena Theatre at the Gilmore Theatre Complex. Seating is general admission. There are no advance ticket sales, but reservations are required and can be made by calling University Theatre at (269) 387-6222.

A $10 suggested donation will help fund the cast's upcoming trip to Scotland, where they will perform at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Fringe is the world's largest arts festival, attracting more than 19,000 artists from around the globe each year to celebrate and share theatre.

"Good Death" is an original production, created through a unique collaboration between WMU theatre students and members of the acclaimed Tectonic Theater Project. It explores the hard questions and emotional conflict behind euthanasia, terminal illness, aging, medical ethics, and other taboo and controversial topics. The result of real interviews with clergy, hospice workers, lawyers, doctors, activists and those living with terminal illness, "Good Death" considers what it means to live life to the fullest or choose to die.

The Kalamazoo Gazette review of the original production said, "Prepare for an evening that will challenge notions about how a play is created and performed, as well as preconceptions about life's final rite of passage."

For more information, contact Emily Duguay, University Theatre, at emily.duguay@wmich.edu or (269) 387-6222.