Friends Mike (Anthony Antoniades on left) and Cam
(Matt King on right) discuss plans to enlist in the army in
Kent State Stark Theatre’s dramatic production of
Plumfield, Iraq, opening Friday, Nov. 4.

Kent State University at Stark Theatre presents Plumfield, Iraq by Barbara Lebow as the first play of the 2011-2012 season. The production will be performed on Nov. 4, 5, 10 and 12, at 8 p.m., and on Nov. 6 and 13, at
2:30 p.m., in the Kent State Stark Theatre, 6000 Frank Avenue NW in Jackson Township. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for the performance on Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

This powerful memory drama follows two Plumfield High School seniors who join the army and are deployed to Iraq. The effects of war on them and their families at home are poignantly examined, as one friend struggles with returning to a normal life while suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The audience is pulled into these young soldiers’ emotional experiences on and off the battlefield, poetically moving between past and present, fantasy and reality.

Playwright Barbara Lebow will be Kent State Stark’s artist-in-residence for a week during the production. She will discuss Plumfield, Iraq with the audience following the performances on Nov. 6 and 10, in addition to attending an informal Meet the Playwright reception on Monday, Nov. 7, at 3:30 p.m., in Kent State Stark’s Library, second floor. To see Lebow’s biography, visit www.stark.kent.edu/theatre.

Directing Plumfield, Iraq is Kent State Stark Assistant Professor of Theatre and Theatre Director Brian Newberg. Louis Williams serves as the scenic and lighting designer, Susan Blurton is the costume designer and Ron Jarvis serves as the sound designer.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for non-Kent State students, children under 17 and senior citizens. All Kent State students are admitted free with a current student ID. Reserve tickets online at www.stark.kent.edu/theatre or call the Kent State Stark Theatre Box Office at 330-244-3348, Mondays through Fridays, from 1 to 5 p.m.