Washington and Lee University
Written by Lucy Thurber
The Theater Department at W&L, with support from the Ruth E. Flournoy Theater Endowment, has created the Flournoy Playwright Festival to celebrate the pivotal role of the playwright in theater arts and to encourage playwriting in the United States and throughout the world. Playwrights are the heart and soul of the theater. In large measure, they shape the future of theater art. More importantly, playwrights challenge cultural assumptions, question cherished beliefs, resurrect forgotten values and revitalize the theater for each passing generation.
Join Killeen King ’12, Cody Beauchamp ‘10, Jeni Prichett ‘12, Kevin Mannering ‘10, Linnea Bond ‘11, Keaton Fletcher ‘13 and Catherine Carlock ‘10 in a Staged Reading of Scarcity on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. There is a Talkback with Lucy Thurber immediately following the reading. Scarcity contains adult content and themes, and is not suitable for children. No tickets are required.
The Reading of Thurber’s Scarcity, directed by Rob Mish ’76, focuses on a small, isolated town in Western Massachusetts. The Lawrence family struggles with poverty, boredom and lost potential. Into their lives comes Ellen, a highly educated, wealthy and well-traveled young woman who wants to give back to her country through education. She teaches in the public school system where Billy and Rachel Lawrence go, and she develops an obsession with Billy's intelligence, insight and potential. Her obsession and desire to lift Billy out of poverty tears the family apart. Director Mish says, “This play brings a relevance to the W&L and the Rockbridge county communities as it could easily take place right here. If we would simply open our eyes and ears we might notice some things that could happen in our own back yards.”