Special ethical discussions follow performances of 'Wit'
Oct. 24, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Audiences attending the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre's Nov.1-3 performances of "Wit" will be able to talk with a variety of experts about the ethical issues raised in the play during special post-performance discussions.
Sponsored by the Western Michigan University Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, the discussions will feature physicians, a nurse and an ethicist and will be moderated by Dr. Shirley Bach, WMU professor emerita of philosophy. Some members of the cast also will take part in each evening's discussion. The play begins each night at 8 p.m. in the Suzanne D. Parish Theatre at 426 S. Park St., and the discussions will begin upon the play's conclusion.
"Wit" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the final six months in the life of an English professor diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer who reflects on her life, career and treatment experiences. It is being performed by Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Oct. 26 through Nov. 10.
The following panelists will participate in the discussions.
Thursday, Nov. 1, discussants will include Dr. Donald Batts, an internist specializing in infectious diseases and past medical director of research at Pharmacia Corp.; Dr. Thomas Blok, medical director of research at Pharmacia Corp. and member of the West Michigan Cancer Center's Research Ethics Committee; and Juanita Manning, a registered nurse who teaches psychiatric and chronic illness nursing at WMU's Bronson School of Nursing.
Friday, Nov. 2, discussions will be led by Dr. Sandra Borden, WMU assistant professor of communication and associate director of the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, and Dr. Marcia Liepman, an oncologist at the West Michigan Cancer Center.
Saturday, Nov. 3, discussants will be Dr. Morry Edwards, a psychologist with a special interest in treating cancer patients, and Dr. Thomas S. Inui, senior scholar at the Fetzer Institute and a former professor at Harvard Medical School.
Tickets to "Wit" can be purchased through the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, 329 Park St., or by phone at (616) 343-1313.
For more information, contact the WMU Center for the Study of Ethics in Society at (616) 387-4397.
Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu