Penobscot Theatre Hosts Series of Events Surrounding WIT, Now thru 3/31

Penobscot Theatre Company will host a series of events surrounding the production of WIT, the beloved Pulitzer Prize winner on stage at the historic Bangor Opera House from today, March 13 - March 31st.

StorySlam: "Stories of Survival", Saturday, March 16th at 7PM
Calling all SURVIVORS! Offered in partnership with Bangor Area Story Slam, audience members are invited to tell their own stories of survival - all kinds of survival! If you consider yourself a survivor, this event is for you.

Story Slam leader, Jesse Moriarty says, "When we started Story Slam Bangor three years ago we would never have dreamed we'd be asked to host a slam following the opening of a play at the Penobscot Theatre. What an amazing honor and a testament to how important story telling really is in helping us understand the human condition. The theme of the slam will be Survival. We are extremely excited to see what forms such a simple word will take on. Expect to laugh and cry and be a bit changed by what you'll hear from your friends and neighbors on Saturday night as they take the stage to share in what will be an awe inspiring night! We hope to see you there!"

All stories must be true and must have happened to you, the storyteller. Those with stories put their names in a hat during the night of the event, and ten per evening are chosen at random. Each may tell a five-minute story that adheres to the theme (but keep in mind, varied interpretations on the theme are accepted and expected). This event is free, but requires reservation (call 207-942-3333). For more details visit: www.bangorstoryslam.org.

Town Hall: "Arts & Medicine," Monday, March 18th at 6PM
A candid discussion teasing out the intersecting themes of the play and the medical resources and progress within this region, featuring local medical professionals and scholars including: Norman M. Dinerman, MD, FACEP (Medical Director, Transfer Center of Eastern Maine, EMMC), Tiffany Eaton, RN (Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, Outpatient Oncology & Infusion Clinic), Dave Renedo, M.D. (Dahl-Chase), Robert Ferguson, PhD, (Clinical Psychologist, EMMC), A Merrill Garrett, MD (Medical Oncologist, EMMC), Reverend James Jim Haddix (All Souls Church) and others to be announced. The discussion will address the intersection of arts & medicine and topics ranging form medicine as an entrée to intimacy to fear of the unknown/the front-lines of cancer treatment and will include reflections on the evolution of cancer care and research over the past decade, as well as the current breakthroughs/resources, and where treatment and research is heading.

'The Bare Truth Project' Exhibit is a photo display featuring the scars of breast cancer survivors that will be on display throughout the run of the production. This project aims towards raising awareness, hope, and through the power of these images, to aid with the healing process and someday find a cure. Featuring the photographs of: Theresa Cucinotti, Tricia Kenny and Tammy Michaels.

This expanded community programming around WIT is made possible through the support of the Maine Arts Commission, Health Search New England, and Machias Savings Bank. "Being in communities where everyone knows everyone, we understand how cancer impacts many families and friends. We are pleased we are able to help bring this production to our area," says Machias Savings Bank Senior VP, Traci Sanborn, leading corporate sponsor of these programs.

WIT was the first play written by Margaret Edson, inspired by her experience working in a hospital oncology unit. WIT won the 1999 Pulitzer for Drama and was nominated for a Tony for "Best Revival" when Sex in the City's Cynthia Nixon starred in it on Broadway last season.

Tickets range from $22 - $36. Discounts for students, seniors and military personnel. Special BUY ONE GET ONE for all cancer patients and survivors with code: Survivor. Group rates available. Purchase tickets, subscriptions and gift certificates online at www.penobscottheatre.org, or through the Box Office at 207-942-3333.

Penobscot Theatre Company is America's Northeastern-most professional, year round theatre company, owners of the historic Bangor Opera House,a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, producing a wide variety of plays and musicals each season.

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