HOW TO WRITE A NEW BOOK FOR THE BIBLE, NO CHILD... and More Set for People's Light & Theatre, Beg. 3/25

Community Matters is a series of free events presented in partnership between People's Light and numerous local organizations to spark dialogue about vital issues in our community. Performed readings of new plays are the centerpiece of each evening. This second season of Community Matters includes new scripts focused on athletics and head injuries, elderly care and illness, bullying and identity, as well as public education and race.

The readings include How to Write a New Book for the Bible on March 25, Headstrong on April 29, The Transition of Doodle Pequeno on May 13 and No Child... on June 17, 2013. A lively discussion led by local panelists will follow each reading.

People's Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. The readings are free, but reservations are required. For reservations, call 610.644.3500 or visit PeoplesLight.org.

Artistic Director AbiGail Adams says, "Through this collaboration we hope to create new stories that capture the passions and concerns of our community members. We look forward to continuing to build relationships in our community with organizations and individuals, deepening engagement with our work, and providing a forum for discussion of important issues."

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK FOR THE BIBLE

By Bill Cain

Directed by AbiGail Adams

Monday, March 25, 2013, 7 pm

Steinbright Stage

A Jesuit priest and award-winning playwright, Bill Cain brings a fascinating perspective to this heartfelt and humorous new play about aging, illness, and the importance of honoring the details of our lives and loves. Inspired by his own experiences caring for his dying mother, a man moves in with his ailing but always funny mother when she becomes too frail to care for herself. Their reunion heals old wounds, opening a new chapter in their relationship.

Panelists for the discussion will include representatives of agencies providing services to the aging and their families.

Community Partners will include Chester County Department of Aging, Surrey Services and others.

HEADSTRONG

By Patrick Link

Directed by Pete Pryor

Monday, April 29, 2013, 7 pm

Main Stage

Football won't leave Sylvia Green alone. Her father is a retired Philadelphia Eagle linebacker and is forever reminiscing about his glory days on the field. She's also coping with the death of her ex-husband, Ronnie, a former NFL running back who committed suicide after a bout of crippling depression. Headstrong is a controversial new play about sports heroes, post-concussion syndrome, and the mythology of violence that received raves during its recent New York premiere.

Panelists for the discussion will include Carl Gersbach, former NFL football player, and brain injury experts from the medical community who work with both adults and children.

Community Partners will include The Chester County Intermediate Unit Brain STEPS program, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital and others.

THE TRANSITION OF DOODLE PEQUEÑO

By Gabriel Jason Dean

Directed by Wendy Bable

Monday, May 13, 2013 7 pm

Main Stage

With glowing oranges the size of pumpkins, vaudeville vampires, pirate princesses, a troll who may not be a troll, and a sassy, fast-talking goat, this award-winning play for all ages takes a heartwarming look at the consequences of misused language and interrogates the issue of gender-bullying.Doodle and his mother have just moved and nothing is as it seems. Accompanied by his imaginary goat, Doodle meets Reno, a boy who has a fondness for wearing tutus year-round and is the target for the neighborhood bullies. Using a blend of English, Spanish, and "Goat," Doodle discovers the meaning of true friendship and acceptance.

Panelists for the discussion will include professionals who work with young people facing bullying and gender identity issues.

Community Partners will include The Chester County Intermediate Unit, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Chester County Chapter, Central Baptist Church, Wayne, PA and others.

NO CHILD...

By Nilaja Sun

Director tba

Monday, June 17, 2013 7 pm

Steinbright

A tour-de-force internationally acclaimed solo play based on Ms. Sun's experiences as a teaching artist in the New York public schools. With tenderness, insight, and rapid-fire humor, one actor transforms herself into an entire classroom of students, as well as their teachers and family members, the principal, a janitor, and a security guard. No Child... is "thrillingly funny," says New York Magazine. An insightful, hilarious, and touching master class not to be missed by anyone who is concerned about the state of our education system and how we might fix it.

Panelists for the discussion will include those who work with at-risk children within educational settings.

Community Partners will include The Chester County Intermediate Unit, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Chester County Chapter and others.

All readings are FREE, but reservations are requested. To reserve call 610-644-3500 or visit PeoplesLight.org.

People's Light, a professional, not-for-profit theatre in Chester County, Pennsylvania, makes plays drawn from many sources to entertain, inspire, and engage our community. We extend our mission of making and experiencing theatre through arts education programs that excite curiosity about, and deepen understanding of, the world around us. These plays and programs bring people together and provide opportunities for reflection, discovery, and celebration. Founded in 1974, we produce seven to nine plays each season, in two black box theatres with 350 and 170 seats respectively, mixing world premieres, contemporary plays, and fresh approaches to classic texts for our 6-Play and Discovery Series.

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