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The fall theatre season at Lee University premiers with “Wit,” a poignant and intelligent play by Margaret Edson opening on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The play is directed by associate professor of theatre Dan Buck.

Wit centers on a brilliant English professor known for her nearly-clinical dissection and analysis of the works of metaphysical poet John Donne.

However, after she is diagnosed with cancer and her doctors put her on an experimental chemo regiment, she starts to feel like one of those poems. This funny, sad, and moving play reminds the viewer in vivid detail of Donne’s words: “Death be not proud.”

Student Natalie Brouwer will perform the leading role in the play, and to embody the real-life condition of cancer, she will shave her head prior the first performance.

“[Brouwer’s] commitment to the role and her love of the script were an important part of her decision to audition for the role that had the special requirement of being bald,” said Buck.

Brouwer has appeared in Lee Theatre productions of The Winter’s Tale; Almost, Maine, and My Fair Lady.

The remaining cast has also found personal ways to connect with the serious issues of the play. During rehearsals, cast members share stories of someone each member knows who has died or struggled with cancer, and those names are taped to the wall of the theatre.

Buck said, “As the rehearsals continue we find ourselves surrounded by the names of people we love cheering us on and encouraging us to tell our story with honesty and compassion.

Lee Theatre is currently collaborating with the organization Kickin’ It for Kids with Cancer as a way the cast can invest in the battle against cancer through service as well as their art.

Additional night performances of Wit will run Sept. 23-26 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee performance will show on Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the Edna Minor Conn Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets will be available beginning the week of Sept. 19, Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. in the Dixon Center Box Office, and will also be available one hour prior to the show.

The EMC Theater is located in room 305 of the Vest Building on the corner of Church and 11th Street.

For more information, please visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre, email [email protected], or call the Dixon Center Box Office at 614-8343 weekdays between 3-6 p.m. Fans can also join the Facebook page “Lee University Theatre.”

Photo:  (from top) Brouwer receiving haircut from Tiffany Collins Sparks of Static Hair Salon; Before and after pics of Brouwer; Alainy Kendall, Brouwer and Josh Mitchell at rehearsal