Do
you ever wonder what can happen in a marriage and family when a healthy adult
suddenly faces a permanent disability?
I
can answer that question. But not in this blog post. Questions of such magnitude
call for bold measures when you’re a drama queen. That’s why rehearsals are
underway for a never-before-produced play the Prairie Players will take to the
2015 ACT Festival in Dauphin the first weekend in May. The play is called Sleeping with a One-Armed Man.
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Now
that rehearsals have begun and I can see what a terrific job my actors are
doing, I’m getting excited. But then, the potential for making audiences laugh,
cry, and think new thoughts always excites me. In order for our families and
friends here at home to see this play, we’ve decided to open our final rehearsal
to the public.
Although
it would be worth the price of admission just to see Chris Kitchen undergo an
amputation, we’ve decided to let folks in for free and collect donations for Manitoba Farmers with Disabilities. MFWD is dedicated to educating the public about farm
safety and to providing a support network for farmers living with disabilities
in our province.
Based
out of Elm Creek, MFWD recently constructed a new headquarters from which to
carry out their mandate. They know that after a serious injury or illness, a
person may experience symptoms of overwhelming guilt, issues of acceptance, and
the inability to communicate with family and friends. An important part of the
healing process involves talking about your situation with someone who will
listen and understand—someone who perhaps has gone through the same experience.
In
addition to networking, MFWD provides resources like books, downloads, videos,
coloring books, peer counselling, newsletters, and more. It’s one of those
groups no one ever hopes to belong to, but when you need it, you’re glad it’s
there.
An
old African-American hymn says, “Time is filled with swift transition, none on
earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God’s
unchanging hand.”
Such
is the theme of this story. We hope you can join us on Wednesday, April 29, 7:30
p.m. at the William Glesby Centre in Portage la Prairie. Mark your calendar and watch for more
details.
So exciting, Terrie! My play, A Pattern in Blue will be part of the Budding Playwrights Festival in Rosebud on May 4th. I can't wait to see what the actors do with it. :)Marcia
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Marcia! Congratulations! Wish I could see it.
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