LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Lackland Performing Arts Group will raise the curtain during the next two weekends for its latest production, "The Girl In The Mirror," at Arnold Hall Community Center.
Performances of "The Girl In The Mirror," an original Bruce Jacoby play about a dying 17-year-old girl's thoughts as she lies comatose in a hospital bed from an attempted suicide, are May 13-14 and May 20-21.
The script addresses depression, suicide, and how easily people can misunderstand one another with tragic results. The performances are not recommended for children under age 15.
"It's a subject matter that people definitely don't want to talk about, they want to shut their eyes to it," said Airman 1st Class Trisha Olson, the play's director. "We're hoping this can be a way to open them up a bit.
"We're really focused on (delivering) the message, 'You need to think twice before trying to commit suicide.' Life may be hard right now, but in the end you're hurting the people around you, not just yourself."
Airman Olson said the main character doesn't realize how much she is loved by those around her and the effect her death would have on them. It presents an outside perspective on suicide and the family.
"It's a really dark subject matter but it needs to be told," she said. "It's uncomfortable for me to talk about it. It's uncomfortable for people to hear about it. I thought it's exactly the kind of thing I want to do: tackle a subject nobody wants to talk about."
Airman Olson directs a cast of 14, plus five extras. Nine other members make up the stage crew, including sound and lighting. The all-volunteer group has spent the last 2½ months rehearsing while also designing and building the set.
The play is the second of four productions scheduled this year. Following "The Girl In The Mirror," auditions begin for a September musical to be selected by the group.
"We have a lot of fun," said Tracy Parmer, LPAG president. "It's all volunteer, free to join and an activity for military members.
"Anyone with base access can join: dependent, spouse, civilian or contractor. Whatever your talent is, we'll find a way to use it."