Jan. 31, 2025
From the classroom to the stage: Ferris State faculty and staff collaborate in presentation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play’ Wit,’ Feb. 6-9
Professor Emily Aslakson typically educates in the classes and labs of Michigan College of Optometry, but she and other Ferris State faculty and staff members are trying a different approach – the theater.
Aslakson, MCO Dean Daniel Taylor and others are performing “Wit,” winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Thursday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 9 as part of the Big Rapids Festival of the Arts.
The one-act production by the Prohedria Theater company will be presented in the lower gallery of Artworks, located at 106 N. Michigan Avenue in downtown Big Rapids.
Aslakson has the play’s lead as Vivian Bearing, a college English professor dealing with an advanced case of metastatic ovarian cancer.
“Vivian is a devotee of the 17th century poet and scholar John Donne, whose writings shape her thinking and spoken reaction, as she undergoes an experimental chemotherapy regimen,” Aslakson said.
“I have a variety of acting experiences and see this as a very demanding role, with a most compelling message for the healthcare community and those facing their own journey with illness. This experience is proving valuable to my service as an educator and practitioner, a powerful reminder to consider patients’ feelings, whether they seek routine care to those suddenly facing significant health issues.”
Aslakson said Margaret Edson’s story was brought to film and revivals on stage, which gained the attention of the caregiving community.
“Medical journals have taken up the relevance and importance of ‘Wit’s’ message,” Aslakson said. “As science and technology gain prominence in healthcare, it remains important to always consider how we go about our communications and treatment of each patient.”
Academic advisor and assistant professor Philip Himebaugh is the director. Himebaugh said the cast and crew began preparations several weeks ago.
“I was able to research Margaret Edson through interviews over the years and learn of her desire for audiences to see the hope and humor in her work, along with its deep emotions,” Himebaugh said. “Vivian Bearing is not alone in this play, coming to grips with her humanity, so I hope our guests can take something valuable from the story and our presentation.”
Micah Taylor, the wife Dean Taylor, contributes to the cast in the role of Susie Monahan, a key figure in Vivian Bearing’s considerations as the story builds.
Dr. Taylor is also part of the ensemble, playing the part of Bearing’s caregiver, Dr. Harvey Kelekian.
Office of Violence against Women project director Sydney Mingori serves as an ensemble member of the “Wit” cast. Ferris State’s Nursing program has also contributed to this production with the loan of various medical equipment to add to the ambience of the stage presentation.
Tickets for 7 p.m. performances of “Wit” Feb. 6-8 and the 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 9 are available at Artworks’ Painted Turtle Gift Shop and also available for purchase by cash or check at each show.