Are you a parent of a teenager? Tired of discussions that don’t go deeper than, “Can I borrow the car?” Or do you need a date night where you can talk about more than the bills? Then don’t miss C. S. Lewis’ “The Great Divorce” at the Alliance Theater through Sunday, June 15 only. Lewis’ short, but meaty book about people on a fieldtrip from hell to heaven provides some great opportunities to talk to your teens or other adults about concepts like self-righteousness, and why people would choose something they think is good over what is better.
In this story, the travelers from hell are greeted by people they have known on earth who try to talk them into staying in heaven. Many choose to go back rather than accept a place where murder can be forgiven or where ones’ “rights” aren’t important anymore. The ghost people (from hell) exhibit their twisted perceptions of otherwise good characteristics like motherly love and spousal affection in this thought-provoking version of the classic book.
In this story, the travelers from hell are greeted by people they have known on earth who try to talk them into staying in heaven. Many choose to go back rather than accept a place where murder can be forgiven or where ones’ “rights” aren’t important anymore. The ghost people (from hell) exhibit their twisted perceptions of otherwise good characteristics like motherly love and spousal affection in this thought-provoking version of the classic book.
Three talented actors play 17 different characters in this production from The Fellowship for the Performing Arts out of New York City. The beautiful sets and projections add to the emotion of this tale told within a dream. Adapter and director Max McLean does a short “talk-back” at the end and allows opportunities for questions about the play. Be sure and stay for this discussion.
“The Great Divorce” tour follows FPA’s popular production of C. S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters.” The content is best understood by teens and adults. Due to the intensity of the piece and issues related to death, small children are not admitted, so get a sitter if you need a date night. Youth groups and Sunday School classes will enjoy watching and dissecting the meaning of the play.
“The Great Divorce” tour follows FPA’s popular production of C. S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters.” The content is best understood by teens and adults. Due to the intensity of the piece and issues related to death, small children are not admitted, so get a sitter if you need a date night. Youth groups and Sunday School classes will enjoy watching and dissecting the meaning of the play.
Show times are Thursday-Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 4pm & 8pm, Sunday at 3pm. Prices are range from $25-$55 with a $10 discount off the best seats of you mention promo code PRD11. The Alliance Theater is in the Woodruff Arts Center complex that also houses the Atlanta Symphony and the High Museum at 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
Macaroni Kid was provided with tickets for the purpose of this review.
