The Piedmont College Players will present their second performance of their 2020-21 season, “The Edge of Peace” the final weekend students are on campus for the fall. The show, which expresses a wish for world peace, comes at a unique time in the course of current events when the world seems to be in upheaval over COVID-19, the 2020 presidential election, and ongoing protests across the country over issues such as police brutality, climate change, and the existence of ICE. The theatre department is no stranger to touching on hot button topics in their productions, notably naming men, women, and children who have been lost too soon as the result of actions of the state in Trojan Women in September. 

“The Edge of Peace,” which is set in 1944 at the crux of American involvement in WWII, tackles the issue of finding inner peace in a menagerie of ways from learning to live with PTSD to helping dependants become self-sufficient. Though the play is categorized as Theatre for Young Audiences, the topics covered by the show are vital for audiences of all ages, especially during this tumultuous season in American history. 

“Anyone who remembers high school history can recall that some of the most intense fighting in WWII was underway at this time,” said director, Kathy Blandin and Assistant director, Jonathan Furlow in a note from the directors. “On the home front families had been planting victory gardens, rationing gasoline, and donating nylon stockings to the war effort for four years, while waiting for news of their loved ones who were fighting for their lives. Americans were tired of war and just wanted to embrace their husbands, sons, and brothers and never let them go.” 

“The Edge of Peace” is the third in the Mother Hicks trilogy. The unique production, written by playwright Suzan Zeder features main character, Tuc, played by Seven Goodwin, who communicates solely in American Sign Language. “The Edge of Peace” will run from Thursday Nov. 19 – Saturday Nov. 21 at 7:30 PM on the Swanson Mainstage and will have a final performance at 2:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 22. To buy tickets, go online to piedmont.edu/fa or call the Box Office at (706) 778-8500 x1355.