Former Peabody resident's play to be performed
A play written by a former Peabody resident will have its Wichita premiere at the end of October.
"The Supper Table" will be presented at 8 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30, and at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 in the Louise Murdock Theatre located at the 20th Century Club, 536 N. Broadway, Wichita.
The play was written by Joyce Egan Markley. She and her family lived in Peabody for a time during the 1970s and 1980s.
The play recounts the loves and lives and harvests experienced in the small, rural areas of the 1950s as the Korean War snatched up America's youth right after high school graduation through the military draft.
The story is about a Midwestern farm family whose oldest son, Buddy — adored by his younger siblings — is drafted away from his first harvest. Youngest sister, Margie, is given the promise that if she writes to him and "helps Mama around the house real good" that she'll be given the right to OK the very special girl he may someday find.
Markley continues to research her topic. Korean War veterans loan her photos and swap stories of their experiences. Some Kansans pictures will be displayed on overhead screens in an interpretive touch given by director, Phil Speary.
The play is being presented by Signature Exploratory Theatre & Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to giving performance opportunities to many new talents.
