Play strives for conversation over controversy

Theater at Grand Valley will present a play that examines conflicts between faith and sexual orientation.

"Seven Passages: Stories of Gay Christians," opens Thursday, January 22, at 7:30 p.m., in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center. Additional performances are January 23-24 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee January 24 at 2 p.m.

"Seven Passages" is a compilation of more then 100 interviews with Christians who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The play brings together the Scriptures (and the Scriptural traditions) and the personal testimonials of gay people in such a way that fosters dialogue without ostracizing or browbeating anyone.

The original production was created by Actors' Theatre Company of Grand Rapids, under the direction of Stephanie Sandberg. The Grand Valley production is part of the student-led Performance Studio series, and will be directed by student Whitney Hershberger, with an all-student cast and designers.

"We're not out to offend anyone, but rather, to start a discussion," said Hershberger, a senior with a double major in theater and public relations. "The stories are local, and they're sometimes sad, and sometimes funny."

The production features an ensemble of seven actors who each play several roles, yet no one ever leaves the stage during the entire production, which runs about 100 minutes, with no intermission.

Co-sponsors of the production are the Women's Center, LGBT Center, and Office of Multicultural Affairs, which will facilitate talkback sessions following each performance. For more information call x12300 or visit www.gvsu.edu/theatre. 

All tickets are $6, general seating. Tickets can be purchased through the Louis Armstrong Theatre Box Office. The box office is open Monday-Friday, from noon-5 p.m., and 1 hour before the curtain time for each performance. Tickets can also be purchased with a service fee through Startickets.com or by calling Startickets at (616) 222-4000 or 1-800-585-3737.