The Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s Harold Clurman Laboratory Theater Company presents Michael Milligan’s new play, ‘Mercy Killers’, directed by Tom Oppenheim, at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013. This is the first production that the Stella Adler Studio of Acting has presented in Edinburgh.
Frustration. Desperation. Indignation. Resolution. Inspiration… These are only a few of the emotions that inspired Michael Milligan to create the topical one-man play, aptly titled, ‘Mercy Killers’.
“Over 60% of all bankruptcies in the U.S. are the result of medical debt. And what most people don’t realize is that in the majority of those bankruptcies, the person involved actually had insurance at the onset of their health crisis.” states Michael Milligan
This shocking discovery led Michael Milligan to collect stories from people suffering financial disaster on top of chronic illnesses. After hearing many horror stories of victims of the growing dysfunction of the American health care system, Milligan worked to put a human face on what he perceived to be a national tragedy.
The play takes on the broken system through Joe, a working-class American, interrogated by the police over the death of his terminally ill wife. He starts out sympathetic to the ultra-conservative Tea Party movement and the libertarian convictions of self-reliance and the free market. However, when his cancer-stricken wife loses her health insurance, his patriotic feelings and passion for the ethos of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are put to the test.
Trapped in the labyrinth of the privatized health care system, Joe’s faith in the American Dream is pushed to the limit when he is driven to a fateful act.
“Breathtaking Performance”
~Josh Starcher, Health care-NOW! NYC.
“Refreshing Perspective”
~Ann Settgast, M.D., Physicians for a National Health Care Program
“Boldly and Wonderfully Acted”
~Aaron Smith, ARTS/West Blog
“Michael Milligan’s Mercy Killers is a powerful play that illustrates the urgency of replacing our dysfunctional health insurance system. In this painfully accurate portrayal of the personal struggles of one couple, Milligan makes public the suffering that thousands of American families experience in private. I was inspired by the performance, and energized to move our state from health insurance for some, to health care for all.”
~John Marty, U.S. State Senator, Minnesota
LISTING INFORMATION
Venue: Assembly Hall, Baillie Room
Time: 14:45 Running Time: 55 minutes
Dates:: 01 – 26 August. Previews 1 & 2 August.
Tickets: Previews 1 & 2 August £5; 7-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26 August £8; 3-6, 9-11, 16-17, 23-25 August £10
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square and Assembly Checkpoint