Piedmont College welcomes Public back to Theatre

Piedmont College is pleased to welcome the public back to the theatre for their production of Suzan Zeder’s award-winning play, The Edge of Peace.  Set in Ware, Illinois in 1945 during the last days of World War II, this lyrical play begins as a young man is declared missing in action and the soldier’s little brother refuses to believe what seems inevitable. In the visual poetry of sign language, Tuc, who is a deaf mechanic and postman, takes us on a journey of hope through a landscape of loss as the community and family deal with the impact of a hometown son being declared missing in action.  But there is suspicion and mystery afoot. Not far from town, a German prisoner of war escapes from a nearby prisoner-of-war camp and has been seen lurking in the shadows. Up on Dug Hill, the mysterious Nell Hicks is suspected of being a “sympathizer” because she listens to radio broadcasts in German. Eleven-year-old Buddy patrols the streets, searches for clues, and tries to hold his family together as everyone waits for news about the missing soldier on the edge of peace.  “I first started thinking about directing The Edge of Peace last year because playwright Suzan Zeder reminds us through the play that world peace must begin with the individual,” says director Kathy Blandin. “Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. and our world was thrown into turmoil. It seems fitting that we are able to welcome the public back into our mainstage theatre with a play about peace and how to find it.”  The Piedmont College Theatre has implemented strict health procedures to keep everyone safe while in the theatre. Everyone entering the Swanson Center for this production will undergo a temperature check and must wear a face covering at all times while in the building. Hand sanitizer stations will be available, and everyone is required to maintain social distancing. By working together we can keep everyone safe and healthy as we return to the theatre to once again enjoy a live performance.  The Edge of Peace performances are November 19 through November 21 at 7:30pm and November 22 at 2pm on the Swanson Center Mainstage. General Admission is $10 for the public, $5 for seniors and students, and Piedmont faculty, staff, and students are free. In order to ensure socially distant seating, patrons must call the box office at 706-778-8500 x1355 to purchase/reserve tickets.