Wit
by Scottish Rite Theater

Aug. 10 - Aug. 25, 2018
Fridays-Sundays

The play “isn't a tearful lecture on how to die; it's a dry-eyed lesson on how to live--with simplicity and kindness."  -- Boston Globe

Austin Scottish Rite Theater teams up with The Final Acts Project to present Margaret Edson’s “dram-edy,” Wit. Taking the role of both narrator and player in her own tragedy, the character Vivian Bearing shifts back and forth, from present to past, as she navigates stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis and high-dosage experimental chemotherapy. Along the way, she also undergoes self-conviction, humility, and grace. 

Playwright Margaret Edson received the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Wit, her first play. Wit also received the “Best New Play” award in 1999 from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle. 

Kristin Fern Johnson, as Vivian Bearing, is supported by a stellar cast: Delanté Keys, Megan Ortiz, Craig Hurwitz, Chris Humphrey, Olivia Jiménez, Stan Kern, and Kathryn Blackbird, with live guitar accompaniment by Darrel Mayers. Design by Leilah Stewart (scenic), Desiree Humphries (costume), and Deanna Belardinelli (lighting). 

Directed by Susan Gayle Todd

Austin Scottish Rite Theater is an Austin gem--a fully operational modern theater thriving within a stunning historic landmark. ASRT is Austin’s oldest theater, erected in 1871, the same year Austin became the capitol of Texas. For almost a century and a half, innumerable artists and events of all kinds have graced this venue, from the operas and circus trapeze acts that wowed crowds during the 19th Century to the live world music and multimedia children’s programming that delight Austinites today.

Austin Scottish Rite Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to share and preserve the historic Masonic facility, serving the greater community through high quality performing arts, educational programs, and events. 

Wit is co-produced by The Final Acts Project, who believe individuals should have the opportunity to write their own life script, including the final act of their life. The organization was founded in 2014 and aims to develop and facilitate extended community and professional networks of support, conversation, and action around end-of-life planning. The organization addresses determinants of health outcomes by leveraging volunteers to create and replicate models that can be adapted to meet the needs of specific audiences. The Final Acts Project uses the arts and humanities to entice and inspire viewers and participants to discuss a scary but important topic – death. With the conversation started in an open, friendly environment, the organization can then get people thinking and planning for their future, right until the very end. 
Funded in part by the St. David’s Foundation, each performance will be followed by a talkback with health professionals.

 
One of the co-founders of the Long Center, Jo Anne Christian was one of Austin’s most prominent civic leaders, and a good friend to the arts. This production of WIT will honor Jo Anne Christian for her dedication and support of the great cultural and artistic growth on Austin on opening night, August 10. 

Wit
by Margaret Edson
Scottish Rite Theater

 

Contact: susan@scottishritetheater.org or 512-472-5436
Website: http://scottishritetheater.org/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/austin.scottish.rite.theater/