Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 11/5/98
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson 126

VIETNAM DRAMA OPENS NOV 10 AT SOUTHEASTERN 
Editors: Please note local interest  Photo accompanies release

     HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre will present the drama "A
Piece of My Heart" Tuesday, November 10 - Saturday Nov. 14 in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. 
     The drama, set in Vietnam, follows the lives of six young women, five nurses and a USO
singer, who go to Vietnam during the war and how the experience affects them. "Vietnam is still
a touchy subject," said director Rebecca Boyles. "This show is not saying it was right or wrong,
it
just takes a look at what it was like at the time. This was a time when the nation was so divided,
even within families.
     "The characters have an idealized vision of Vietnam before they arrive. The play explores
their expectations, what they found and the disillusionment they felt when they returned," said
Boyles. 
     The Southeastern cast features Anita Ann Landry of Destrehan, Gary Mendoza of
Slidell, Nicole Fitch of New Orleans, Cherie Maurer of Independence, Yun-Chen Psai of
Slidell, Chandra Stacie of Zachary and Michelle Lane Mallott of Ponchatoula. Misty Pelas
of Venice,is assistant director. 
     The play, written by Shirley Lauro, is taken from the novel on which the television series
China Beach was based. "A Piece of My Heart" premiered in 1991 at the Humana Festival in
Louisville, Kentucky and was performed as part of the Vietnam Wall dedication. 
     This powerful drama will also be the university's entry in the Louisiana College Theatre
Festival, hosted by Southeastern November 17-21. This performance contains some violence,
adult themes and language and is recommended for mature audiences.         
     Tickets for "A Piece of My Heart" are $5 general admission, $3 senior citizens and
faculty and free for SLU students. Call 549-2115 for more information.

                                -SLU-
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