Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 5, 1992 TAG: 9203050142
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
This local production, directed by Barbara Simpson, recognizes the New River Valley Hospice - which offers care for terminally ill patients and their families - and celebrates the 50th show of Playmakers & Co.
Although not bleak in theme, the play - which won a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award in 1977 - is a serious drama about living and dying. It takes place on the grounds of a large hospital where terminally ill patients receive medical care and emotional support.
The patients are placed in a representational shadow box where they eventually will die as everyone watches. The patients also are on display for the interviewer who observes them and talks to them. This is similar to the work of an actual hospice volunteer.
For example, at the Blacksburg-based hospice volunteers help patients manage pain and other symptoms to lessen the fears and burdens of dying.
This allows patients to be more alert, to live their remaining days more fully and to use their energies in ways that give heightened meaning to life, said Cynthia Jennison, executive director of the hospice, who served as technical adviser on "The Shadow Box."
"The hospice philosophy is that life should be lived while you're living," Jennison said. "It's not something people think enough about."
The characters in the play deal with the emotions associated with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, fear and acceptance - the same emotions that hospice workers deal with daily.
Part of the proceeds from ticket sales go to the non-profit New River Valley Hospice and to Playmakers & Co.
The Christiansburg-based theater company has produced plays since 1979, including "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof," "The Odd Couple," "Crimes of the Heart" and "The Rainmaker."
In addition to its four full-length staged productions, Playmakers & Co. also sponsors an annual showcase of local talent called "Hometown Hollywood," theater workshops for children and a small repertory company to provide skits for community events.
Performances will be held tonight through Saturday and March 12-14 at the mall in the space next to Hofheimer Shoes. Show times are 7:30. Tickets are $5 and are available at the mall customer service desk or make reservations by calling 382-0154. The show is not recommended for children.
by CNB