From Arts of the Pamlico

Arts of the Pamlico, in association with East Carolina University School of Theatre and Dance Storybook Theatre, will present a production of an adaptation of the young adult novel, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. The play, adapted by Eric Coble, will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 20 at the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington. General admission tickets are $8.

The novel follows a boy named Jonas through the 12th and 13th years of his life.

The society has eliminated pain and strife by converting to “Sameness,” a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives. Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness, as there may be times where one must draw upon the wisdom gained from history to aid the community’s decision making. Jonas struggles with concepts of all the new emotions and things introduced to him, and whether they are inherently good, evil or in-between, and if it is even possible to have one without the other. The community lacks any color, memory, climate and terrain, all in effort to preserve structure, order and a true sense of equality beyond personal individuality.

“The Giver” won the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. The novel is also included on most middle-school reading lists throughout the United States.

Immediately following the performance on Sunday, there will be a brief Q&A with the cast.  Also, a workshop on acting and playwriting will follow for young people in fourth through 12^th grades.

ECU Storybook Theatre combines talents of students from across all theater art disciplines and teaches younger audience members the enjoyment of the performing arts, along with the excitement of books and reading.

Tickets are available in advance by calling 252-946-2504, or visiting the AOP box office at the Turnage Theatre. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door beginning at 1:30 p.m. the day of the performance.