The Oklahoma State University Department of Theatre presents Lanford Wilson’s Fifth of July, a sometimes painful and more often comedic journey. The play runs February 16-21 in the Vivia Locke Theatre.

Fifth of July is a story of renewal. Kenneth Talley has been severely wounded in combat in Vietnam. A former English teacher, Kenneth has returned to the US disillusioned about his life circumstance.

Theatre Senior Travis Nichols, who plays the role of Kenneth, reveals there is a fine line between thinking about and actually “doing what you need to do to be well, it’s not easy.” The character of Kenneth searches for his role in life even at the cost of separating himself from the ones who love him most. Wilson wrote, “it is a play of restoration and commitment. Something the country sorely needed.”

This production is being directed by guest artist R. Michael Gros, an accomplished regional director and professor from Kansas State University. Gros is committed to the script because of its high quality of writing and its relevance in today’s society.

Gros comments, “The play calls for a reevaluation and definition of oneself and where we position ourselves in society.”

This performance features well crafted characters that search for the answers to these social predicaments.

Gros continues, “Fifth of July presents the characters with a broad choice of possible answers to these predicaments and allows the audience to witness their journey.”

Join the Oklahoma State University Department of Theatre as we welcome Gros and the cast of Fifth of July as they explore how skewed life circumstances can ultimately lead to rediscovery and a more fully engaged existence.

Fifth of July will run February 16-20 at 7:30pm, with a 2:30pm matinee on February 21. This play will be performed in the Vivia Locke Theatre in the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts, located on the southeast corner of the OSU-Stillwater campus. Admission is $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for general admission. Tickets will go on sale February 8. The Box office, located in the Vivia Locke lobby, will be open Monday-Friday from Noon-5pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. The Box Office accepts cash and checks only. For ticket information call (405) 744-9208. Fifth of July is recommended for mature audiences only.