The Edge of Peace

February 28 - March 17, 2013

By Suzan Zeder
Directed by Linda Hartzell

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Details

This touching exploration of community dynamics and the strength of individuals is the final play in an acclaimed trilogy by Suzan Zeder. The series explores the life of Tuc, a Deaf man, as he evolves from the town outcast to a beloved resident. The Edge of Peace is set at the end of World War II, in the small town of Ware, Illinois and centers around Buddy, the younger brother of a soldier at war. A cast of compelling characters – Tuc, a soldier’s worried relatives, an old widow with mysterious ways, and a grown orphan Girl – all seek truth and healing. We witness the power of community as they come to understand what’s behind their façades and long held prejudices.

“This is a drama, mystery and adventure rolled into one. Audiences will fall in love with these characters and their stories. The play really demonstrates the interdependence of community members during times of crisis.”– SCT Artistic Director Linda Hartzell

Location
Charlotte Martin Theatre

Age Recommendation
For Ages 10+

Performances

This production has past.

“The message is toleration, and fellowship, delivered in good part by the cohesive cast”

Misha Berson (The Seattle Times)

Reviews

The Seattle Times: “Fellowship in wartime, in SCT’s The Edge of Peace“

Seattle’s Child: A Parent’s Review of The Edge of Peace

History and Mystery: Seattle Children’s Theatre’s The Edge of Peace

More Info

Age Recommendation:
Ages 10 and up - Soldiers returning from war and families suffering while their loved ones are away are timely topics. Implications of war and the intersection of multiple stories lines may be difficult for children under 10 years of age.

Curriculum Connections: Families During Wartime, World War II, Soldiers, Deafness, Career, Community, Radio Communication, Prisoner of War, Empathy, American Sign Language

Running Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

The Edge of Peace is produced in partnership with The University of Texas at Austin's Department of Theatre and Dance and Texas Performing Arts.

Cast and Design Team

The ensemble cast includes Chicago-based deaf actor Robert Schleifer, Seattle’s Suzanne
Bouchard, Therese Diekhans, Nate Kelderman and Todd Jefferson Moore, and UT’s Kyle
Cotton, Franchelle Dorn, Liz Kimball, Dan Lendzian, Antoinette Robinson and Alexis Scott.
The production features Scenic Design by Jeff Kurihara, Costume Design by Hope Bennett and
Lighting Design by Rachel Atkinson, all hailing from UT’s MFA program, and Sound Design by
SCT resident designer Chris R. Walker.

Synopsis

Soldier Ricky Ricks is away at war and his absence is leaving a notable imprint on the small town community of Ware, Illinois in 1945. The town is simmering with secrets, anxieties and mysterious happenings. In the center of it all, Ricky’s 11 year-old brother, Buddy, is trying to make sense of the world and spending time imagining war scenes of his own. He remains strong for his mother and sister-in-law who are fraught with worry when Ricky is missing in action. Buddy remains hopeful, but avoids discussion of why they haven’t heard from his brother. Buddy’s best friend, Tuc, is the town’s beloved Deaf mechanic and mailman with secrets of his own.

Someone has been sneaking around town and stealing supplies after dusk. The widow on the hill has been seen at the Prisoner of War camp and heard listening to the Germans on the short wave radio. The whole town gets involved after Ricky’s returned duffel bag goes missing. Accusations are made and a series of interesting truths are gradually revealed.