Ohio Northern University’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts will present a Literature to Life performance of the “The Giver” by Lois Lowery on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Newly adapted by Elise Thoron, associate artistic director, this piece features 60 minutes of solo performance by actress Liz Parker focusing on the relationship between the young Jonas and his mentor, the Giver. As Jonas trains to become the “Receiver of Memories,” the buried truth about the world that he was born into becomes hauntingly clear to both Jonas and the audience. Surrounded by pre- and post-show interactive discussions, the audience will explore themes such as individuality, ethics and social constructs.
As a passionate performer and teaching artist, Parker uses theatre to connect with young people in New York City and beyond. In addition to performing with American Place Theatre, Parker co-creates shows for young audiences through Urban Stages’ Outreach Department. Parker has performed these shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the New York International Fringe Festival, and many schools and libraries in the five boroughs.
As artistic associate at the American Place Theatre in New York from 1991-97, Thoron worked on new play development, where she developed and directed plays ranging from Carson Kreitzer’s “Slow Drag” to Michael Garces’ (bilingual) “[The Site]” and three one-person shows: “The Mayor of Boys Town,” “Extreme Girl” and “I Love America,” all of which have gone on to other venues and cities after American Place. While at American Place, Thoron also helped launch a highly successful educational program Literature to Life (now nationwide).
Literature to Life, the American Place Theatre’s performance-based literacy program, presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of significant American literary works. This educational program gives students a new form of access to literature by bringing to life the world of books.
Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and $5 for children. Tickets for ONU faculty and staff are $10 and $5 for ONU students. The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available online at www.freedcenter.com
