Almost 20 years after the full-length version of “Amber Waves” premiered at the Indiana Repertory Theatre in 2000, the heartland drama by IRT’s playwright-in-residence James Still returns to the Upperstage April 2 to 28.
Featuring music by Tim Grimm and Jason Wilber, “Amber Waves” follows a year in the life of an Indiana family as they face the prospect of losing their farm.
Originally a one-act play, the newest version of “Amber Waves” takes a deeper look at the commitment, struggle and beauty of farm and family life. For Still, the story draws inspiration from his own Midwestern background and the loss of his family farm in Kansas.
“Much has happened in the world since I first wrote the play, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that family farms continue to disappear, and with them a way of life disappears as well,” Still said. “At its heart, ‘Amber Waves’ is meant to honor generations of farmers and how the relationship to land is both holy and practical.”
Still also is closely tied to the IRT’s Indiana Series, which has produced 19 works that focus on Midwestern and Indiana themes, biographies and historic moments.
Returning to the stage will be musician Tim Grimm, who previously played the role of Mike and wrote the original songs and music with Jason Wilber for the 2000 premiere. This time, in addition to the original pieces, Grimm has partnered with multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy to create music for the production, which they will play live onstage during each performance.
For more, visit irtlive.com.
