Life > February 14, 2008

By By Lauren O’Keefe | Staff writer

Wings, the latest show in the 2007-08 University Theatre season, offers a “multimedia extravaganza” and puts a human face on language disorders.

The play, written by Arthur Kopit, centers on the story of a woman who has recently suffered a stroke and slowly comes back into consciousness.

The storyline highlights the importance of language in our everyday lives.

Kopit compares a world without language to a Charles Lindberg quote about flying through the sky full of clouds.

The theme holds particular importance in Kopit’s life.

His father had a stroke when he was younger and became unable to communicate with his son.

Kopit wanted to get inside of this world of isolation and fear.

He wants audiences to be able to experience this world through his play. This play may have particular appeal to those students studying psychology or medicine due to its focus on language disorder.

The play’s director, Associate Professor of Theatre Cindy Gendrich, spoke to professors in different academic departments as well as friends in the medical field.

Wings brings to life what students may spend hours in the library studying and with this play they can truly understand these disorders.

There is a tremendous technological aspect in the production that Gendrich describes as one of her favorite parts of directing the play.

The images and the sound design used in the show along with the set are extraordinary in her opinion.

University students performing include junior Lauren Gaston as Mrs. Stilson, junior Rebecca Kahane as Amy, senior Eric Pearce as Billy, sophomore Danny Mullins as Mr. Brownstein and ‘07 alumna Tiffany Waddell as Mrs. Timmons. Doctors are played by junior Luke Kohler, sophomore Jenny Malarkey and junior Stephany Rayburn.

Freshman Lizzy Thomas and junior Mary-Hollis Williams portray nurses.

Gendrich described working with these actors as an enjoyable experience.

She stressed the balance that existed between intense theatrical work and physical work. Wings is rather expressionistic.

There is an aspect that is dance-like with choreographed pieces.

The play should prove to be a great opportunity for students to enjoy a theatrical experience and also gain insight into a life-altering disorder.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 21-23 and Feb. 27-March 1. and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 in Ring Theatre. Tickets are $5 for students.