Red Thread Theatre Will Present A CONVERSATION WITH OXYCONTIN By Eileen Dugan

A highly addictive pill appears on a popular talk show in A CONVERSATION WITH OXYCONTIN, written and directed by Eileen Dugan.

The play is part of THE OPIATE PROJECT, a multi-faceted, ongoing theatrical exploration of the effects of opioids in WNY.

"We're thrilled to have the opportunity to tell some of the stories associated with a very large problem," says Josephine Hogan, who added that the group will be offering performances and workshops throughout 2019. "We've spoken with many, many people associated with this crisis, from former addicts to family members, from caregivers to people in the judicial system, and we are using our interviews and research as the basis for plays and workshops for our community."

Hogan, a co-founder and Executive and Co-artistic Director of Red Thread Theatre, added that the project is intended to develop understanding of the crisis in WNY.

In A CONVERSATION WITH OXYCONTIN, Eileen Dugan, Red Thread's co-founder, and the theatre's Co-artistic Director - imagines OxyContin as a character who appears on a talk show to challenge his reputation as a public crisis. Doctors, family members, recovering addicts, and others call in. The panel is joined by Stigma, Oxycontin is confronted by new drugs that offer promise to addicts, and the Interviewer struggles to keep things under control. This new play examines the Opioid epidemic with humor, humanity, and hope.

The production will premiere at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library auditorium on March 7th at 6:00pm and March 9th at 2:00pm. It will be one of several performances and workshops that will tour to schools and community centers throughout Western New York.

A CONVERSATION WITH OXYCONTIN features Dan Urtz, Lisa Hinca, James Cichocki, Alexia Guzman and Aubrey Dempsey, with call ins generously provided by Eileen Dugan, Chris Evans, Anne Gayley, Tom Makar, Jamie O'Neill, Peter Palmisano, Victoria Perez and Darleen Pickering-Hummert.

THE OPIATE PROJECT is funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; administered by Arts Services Initiative of Western New York.

Additional funding for this program generously provided by the Cullen Foundation