Theater program presents play which focuses on breast cancer

The Fitchburg State College theater program will present the play "Purple Breasts" throughout the month of October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The play was created and co-authored by Daryl Lindstrom, who lost her life to breast cancer in 1989 after a prolonged fight. "Purple Breasts," named for the purple marks that show what area of the breasts receive radiation treatment, is about a young woman named Zoe, who lives life to the fullest. She soon discovers a lump on her breast, which turns out to be the deadliest form of breast cancer.

The play will run from Oct. 10 though Oct. 20 at the McKay Campus School auditorium. Performances

on Oct. 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19, and 20 will begin at 7:30 p.m. A Sunday matinee will be presented at 2 p.m. on Oct. 14. A special commuter performance will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 18. Admission is $5 for Fitchburg State students as well as seniors, and is $7 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Wil Kilroy is directing the production as a guest director. He had worked with Lindstrom to create the play while she was struggling with breast cancer. Cast members are Meghan O'Brien, Dominique Bertel, Jillian Sauvageau, Rachel Gammon, Sara Cormier, Elisabeth Hughes, Timothy Scott, Bria Sullivan, Paul Cushing, and Kelly Stowell. Other production members include Shannon Creedon, Dan Daly, Megan Moynagh and Jordan McCormack.

Audience members are invited to stay after the show, for a question-and-answer session with the director, the cast, and a specialist in the breast cancer field.