By Nisha Deo
Staff Reporter
Publication Date: 11/06/08
Cancer has affected the lives and caused the deaths of many family members and loved ones.
Purdue students and staff will perform scenes from "W;t," a play by Margaret Edson, at 7:30 tonight in Fowler Hall. The play investigates a woman's struggle with ovarian cancer.
Last year, the department of oncological sciences and the department of English collaborated to bring a human perspective to the experience of cancer. The interdisciplinary bond that has been forged between theater, English and oncological science will present the audience with a chance to delve into important aspects of life and ultimately death. The scenes to be performed from Edson's play will be part of the Cancer Culture and Community Colloquium taking place on campus.
"We live with the illusion that we control our destinies and that we determine the course of our lives," said Rich Rand, professor of visual and performing arts and director of "W;t."
After the performance, Edson will give a talk about the Pulitzer Prize-winning play and her creative process. Prominent faculty directly involved in forming the Cancer Culture and Community conference chose Edson to represent the purpose and importance of the conference.
"We're everyone, you and I. We've all have a family member, a loved one, live with or die of cancer. We will all play many roles through this saga of life and repeat these roles through the course of our lives," said Rand.