Feb. 23-Mar. 5, 2006

Starring
Terry Ann Watts
Michael Richman
Ajala Bandele
Arielle Brachfeld
William Doheny
Karsten Figueroa
Robin Freeman
Stuart Goldstein
Nury Heckler
Nick Lormand
Patricia Madsen
Kalen Meine
Peggy Miller
Ben Morrow
John Routzahn
Clyde Sacks
Chuck Sherrod
Kristin Stork
Linda Suttle

Dead Man Walking
by Tim Robbins
directed by Angela Stringer Astle

Based on the movie written and directed by Tim Robbins that he adapted from the nonfiction book by Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking is the story of Sister Prejean's (Terry Ann Watts) experience as the spiritual advisor to Matt Poncelet (Michael Richman), a convicted rapist/murderer on death row. With no doubt of Poncelet's involvement in the crime for which he is scheduled to die, Sister Prejean is faced with the moral and spiritual crises of offering comfort and support to the most detestable human being she has ever met. Yet as a servant of God, how can she refuse? And, if she stands by his side, how can she face the murdered victims' parents who are seeking justice for their unbearable loss? While tackling the difficult topic of capital punishment, the play explores the exceedingly complex relationship that builds between Sister Prejean and Matt Poncelet. Touching on such universal themes as revenge and redemption, crime and punishment and fear and salvation, Dead Man Walking asks all the right questions, but as Sister Prejean discovers, there are no easy answers

This deeply moving and brutally honest story examines, from all sides, the question: can the killing of a human being be justified? The playwright recognizes that there are no clear-cut answers and offers a balanced look at the many sub-issues of the argument. Whether for or against the death penalty, this play encourages reflection on why we feel the way we do.

Tim Robbins has allowed this play to be presented only through colleges and universities with the hopes of furthering discussions about the death penalty in an educational forum. Consistent with his plan of encouraging productions, all proceeds from the show will be donated in the form of a needs-based scholarship to the next college or university producing the play. Dead Man Walking is being done in conjunction with the 3rd Annual Death Penalty Week at the DU College of Law.
Produced by Special Arrangement with Tim Robbins and the
Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project.