Tosa Resident Brings Talents to Acacia's “ Endurance of Light"

MILWAUKEE (July 16, 2019) – Wauwatosa resident, Abbey Pitchford (Assistant Stage Manager) supports the cast and director of Amanda Petefish-Schrag’s “The Endurance of Light,” a whimsical story about a woman searching for answers. Sophie is a scientist and professor who has suffered multiple miscarriages. To cope with her circumstances, she refuses to leave the house, reading the work of historical figures Hildegard von Bingen, Albert Einstein and Ernest Shackleton. As Sophie imagines lively conversations with all three, they speak a hope she struggles to hear. A selection of Renaissance Theaterworks’ 2017 BR!NK New Play Festival, “The Endurance of Light” is a story about finding faith in the midst of struggle.

Sophie, her husband, and her mother are “real,” but the other characters are a projection of her imagination, informed by research. Elaine Wyler plays the role of Hildegard von Bingen, a twelfth century nun. “Not many people have heard of Hildegard von Bingen,” Wyler said, “I’ve learned she was an amazing woman -- especially for the times she lived in. She was brilliantly gifted in so many different areas of expression: music, theatre, visual art, books, alchemy, to list a few.”

Bryant Mason plays the role of Ernest Shackleton, the explorer who led the Trans-Antarctic Expedition and nearly perished with his crew when his ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice. He said, “The play tells of loss, grief, faith, and love. It tells the struggle between science and faith to explain the unexplainable or to alleviate suffering. It is about letting go and moving on, and the human capacity to endure.”

Mason continues, “The story is compelling. The writing is excellent. It is smart and tender, humorous when it needs to be, powerful and direct when it needs to be, seductive and beautiful when it needs to be. I think the journey of the central protagonist, Sophie, is rendered with great humanity and soul—relatable, touching, moving, and truthful to the human spirit in all its colors and range of emotions.”

Performances

Fri., July 19 at 7:30 P.M.; Sat., July 20 at 7:30 P.M.; Sun., July 21 at 3:00 P.M.; Thurs., July 25 at 7:30 P.M. Fri., July 26 at 7:30 PM; Sat., July 27 at 4:00 PM; Sun., July 28 at 3:00 P.M.

Ticket Information

The ticket prices are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, full-time students, and full-time clergy, and $10 for children 12 and under. More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com

About Acacia Theatre Company

Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com