Erik Ebsen

SDSU’s theatre dept. will soon begin showing its free enactment of Lanford Wilson’s “Book of Days,” beginning February 15.

The play depicts common themes of small town life, says director J.D. Ackman. Everyone knows one another in a small community, he says, but they also know what everyone else is up to.

“Given the number of students” attending SDSU from such communities, says Ackman, “if you’re (one of them), you’ll recognize how the (characters) behave.”

Tension arises in town because while the entire community knows of a certain death (caused by a symbolic tornado), few acknowledge it.

Ackman says the challenge lay in molding the types of people audiences would be familiar with into specific characters. He says the cast has been “wonderful” with this. “They’ve been working very hard.”

“Book of Days” contains parallels to George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan.” In trying to do what she feels is right, one character finds herself, as did Joan of Arc, at odds with both the law and the church.

The production will be held in the Fishback Stage Theatre of the Performing Arts Center. Students may attend any of nine performances. They will start at 8 pm and run from Wednesday, February 15 until Saturday, February 18. Saturday will also feature the only matinee at 2 pm. Performances will begin again February 22 and continue until February 25.