Oakland University
Monday, October 31, 2011

OU's MTD to perform tale of salvation with "Women of Lockerbie"

OU student actors Alexandra McCaw, Lauren Knox, Lauren Wainwright and Amanda Ryskamp are the women of Lockerbie who assist Abigail Alexander (background) in her search for her lost son.
Oakland University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will open its production of "The Women of Lockerbie," an uplifting story of love overcoming hate, on Thursday, Nov. 10. The play is written by Deborah Brevoort and is based on actual events.

It is December 21, 1995, the seven-year anniversary of the real-life Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland. The women of Lockerbie, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, plan to wash 11,000 pieces of clothing from the wreckage and return them to the families of the victims who perished in the attack. The tragedy is seen through the eyes of one American family and the residents of the little town whose lives were changed forever.

"The Women of Lockerbie" will run Thursdays through Sundays, Nov. 10 through Nov. 20 in Varner Studio Theatre on Oakland University's campus in Rochester, Michigan. It is directed by Karen Sheridan and features the work of a number of student designers. The department offers patrons a wonderful opportunity to see high-caliber productions at an affordable price, while supporting the arts at a local level.

Along with the performances, there are two special events connected to this production. A student-led winter clothing drive is planned to benefit Grace Centers of Hope. Dubbed "Clothing from Lockerbie" by the cast, new and slightly used winter clothes will be collected in front of the Studio Theatre. Donations will be accepted beginning Monday, Oct. 31, through the closing performance on Sunday, Nov. 20. 

On Friday, Nov. 18, the performance will be shadow-signed for deaf and hard of hearing patrons by Terptheatre. Shadow interpreting brings the interpreters on stage with the actors and allows people to see the sign interpretation without having to look away from the action of the play. The interpreters are costumed and attend many rehearsals with the actors. Terptheatre and Oakland University’s theatre program have worked together on over 30 productions since 1998.

Then, on Saturday, Nov. 19, the play's author Deborah Brevoort will attend the noon performance and participate in a question/answer talkback with the audience. The discussion session is a free event hosted by the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance and will take place in the Varner Studio Theatre.

Ticket prices are $14 for general admission and $8 for students and the 10 a.m. matinee on Friday, Nov. 18. Tickets are available online at startickets.com, by phone at (248) 370-3013, or from the Varner Hall box office on the OU campus. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. and one hour before performances. Seating is limited, so audience members are advised to secure tickets in advance.

Free parking is available adjacent to the theatre. For more information, visit oakland.edu/mtd or call (248) 370-2030.

OU's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will run its production of “The Women of Lockerbie,” an uplifting story of love overcoming hate, from Nov. 10-20.

Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Monday, October 31, 2011
Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Article Start Date: Monday, October 31, 2011