The Indiana Wesleyan Theatre Guild, with help from the Honors College were able to bring Debra Breevort to tonight’s (Friday the 13th) showing. Even though this date is normally recognized for its superstition, Emily Tritle was able to celebrate her hard work in success.
Debra began the session by speaking about her inspiration and the story behind her writing. She said that the story starts in 1998 with her looking for late-night comedy on the Television when she came across Ted Koppel on Nightline who was reporting on the story about Lockerbie.
After her introductions and brief background, the floor was open for a Q and A session.
Would Emily change her directing?
Debra began the session by speaking about her inspiration and the story behind her writing. She said that the story starts in 1998 with her looking for late-night comedy on the Television when she came across Ted Koppel on Nightline who was reporting on the story about Lockerbie.
After her introductions and brief background, the floor was open for a Q and A session.
Would Emily change her directing?
Someone in the audience was curious if Emily, now after hearing Breevorts words and having discussion with her if she would change her direction style at all. Emily said that she’s extremely proud of the way her actors fit the representation she wanted to project.
How did the actors get into the mindset of acting?
A question towards the actors and actresses were asked regarding how they project such grief and sadness on stage. One actress mentioned how she hadn’t really understood losing someone at the beginning of the play’s production, but throughout the process ended up losing two grandparents. It was important, she stated, to be able to let out some of the mourning and sadness while she was on stage, but needed to keep it under control.
A question towards the actors and actresses were asked regarding how they project such grief and sadness on stage. One actress mentioned how she hadn’t really understood losing someone at the beginning of the play’s production, but throughout the process ended up losing two grandparents. It was important, she stated, to be able to let out some of the mourning and sadness while she was on stage, but needed to keep it under control.
Why did you write characters in such different stages and aspects of grief?
Deborah was asked why there is such a distinction between characters as they mourn their losses. Deborah states that each character is representing different perspectives of the situation, therefore each character needs to be unique and bring something new to the table. One character witnessed multiple bodies strapped to their seats in her room, another women watched fire fall from the sky as she walked the dog – one man is completely separate from the situation and brings his viewpoint.
Why is this play appealing to younger generations?
The playwright had a question for the audience: she states that many students in high school and college students. One audience member brought up a very valid point – our generation is growing up in a post-9/11 world. The Women of Lockerbie tells the story of putting our lives back together after tragedy, which makes sense to us.
Closing words for the young and aspiring
In closing, Deborah wanted the audience to know that everyone has a gift. We are on this Earth to share it and not to take that for granted.
In closing, Deborah wanted the audience to know that everyone has a gift. We are on this Earth to share it and not to take that for granted.
