COD theater presents 'A Play on Words'

The College of DuPage Summer Repertory Theatre will present "A Play on Words" this month on the Glen Ellyn campus and at other locations.

An improvisational production, "A Play on Words" highlights the importance of words and, consequently, actions in influencing events around us, said Amelia Barrett, director and theater professor.

This annual collaboration between director, designers and cast begins with a general theme, with the script evolving from improvisation.

"I knew I wanted the play to be about words because of the way people are speaking to each other as of late," Barrett said. "Words can be so damaging, and I feel, especially with the nature of live theater, that we're really missing the interactions with each other because so much of our communication is through technology."

No two shows will be the same, as audience members are invited to participate, Barrett said.

"At one point, the actors do a rap and it's almost a call and answer with the audience," she said. "The actors want the audience to share their favorite words and everything gets tied together in this story about heroes and adventure."

Campus performances are at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, in the MAC's outdoor Lakeside Pavilion on campus, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Guests are invited to bring a blanket, chair and picnic. Concessions will be available.

Community performances include shows at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 8, at DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Glen Ellyn Library; noon Sunday, July 9, at Cantigny Park in Wheaton; 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 10, at the B.R. Ryall YMCA in Glen Ellyn; and noon Wednesday, July 12, at the Lisle library; and 6:30 p.m. at the Wheaton library.

Admission is free for all the performances.

For more information, call the MAC Box Office at (630) 942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org.