The following is a press release from PeaceHealth Media Relations:
(Eugene, Ore.)-Sacred Heart Hospice will present "Vesta," a play that explores the emotions and decisions a family must face through the end of a grandmother's life, in six performances throughout February at UpStart Crow Studio, 855 West First Ave. in Eugene. The performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Feb. 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 19. A discussion about end-of-life issues will follow the Feb. 19 performance.
"Vesta" often evokes a strong emotional response from audiences, yet deals with the issues of aging and dying in a thoughtful, sometimes humorous manner.
"The play 'Vesta' increases our understanding of the needs of different age groups as they progress through the death a loved one, which everyone will eventually experience," said Daleasha Hall, supervisor of the Hospice Holistic Care Team at Sacred Heart. "Such work is part of Sacred Heart's ongoing efforts to raise awareness about end-of-life issues," she added.
The play is produced by Terra Nova Theatre and will feature Rebecca Nachison in the title role of Vesta. Directing the play is Jonathan Siegle, a founding member of Terra Nova Theatre.
Written by Spokane, Wash., playwright Bryan Harnetiaux, "Vesta" has been produced in a number of communities throughout the United States. Local productions for the purposes of education and discourse on end-of-life issues are licensed by the Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life in Durham, N.C.
Tickets for the event are $15 and available by calling (541) 242-8755. Tickets will also be on sale near the cafeteria at Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 19, 24, 26, 31 and Feb. 2. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Sacred Heart Hospice.
Performances of "Vesta" are sponsored by Pneu-Med, Inc. and New Horizons In-Home Care. Additional sponsors include: Sunset Hills Cemetery, Musgrove Mortuaries and Cemeteries, Home Instead Senior Care and Cascade Manor Retirement Community. For more information, visit www.peacehealth.org/sacred-heart-riverbend
