Act 39 September 2024

A Play Based on True Events
by Rob Mermin

Synopsis
What do you do when your best friend, dying of cancer, asks you to help end his life?

Experience the Heartfelt Journey of Act 39 – A Play That Challenges Perspectives on Life and Death

This month, prepare to embark on a profound theatrical journey as the Highlands Center for the Arts (HCA) presents the highly anticipated tour of Rob Mermin’s original play, Act 39. Following its sold-out premiere run at Goddard’s Haybarn Theater in the summer of 2023, this poignant production will grace stages in Greensboro, Burlington, and Woodstock from August 29 to September 14, 2024.

Act 39 delves into the true story of a friend’s decision to embrace Vermont’s medical-aid-in-dying options, provided by legislation known as Act 39. With a unique blend of humor and deep emotional resonance, Mermin invites audiences to explore the complexities of friendship and the vulnerability of the human spirit when confronted with mortality. This is not just a play; it’s a heartfelt exploration of life, death, and the choices that shape our final moments.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss this Production

Co-directed by playwright Rob Mermin and J.T. Turner, Act 39 features a stellar cast, including Donny Osman, J.T. Turner, Jeanine B. Frost, and Matthew Grant Winston. Each performance promises to engage, challenge, and inspire, making it a must-see event. The play’s intimate narrative encourages dialogue around an often-taboo subject, inviting audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.

The Highland Center for the Arts is not just a venue; it’s a hub for creativity and community engagement. Tickets are available now at https://highlandartsvt.org/events/act-39/), with general admission priced at $36 and art access tickets at just $5. Given the overwhelming response during its premiere, advance ticketing is highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on this transformative experience.

Engage in Meaningful Conversations

To deepen the experience, talk-backs with the playwright, actors, and representatives from Patient Choices Vermont will follow select performances on August 29, September 5, and September 12. These discussions will provide an opportunity for the audience to engage with experts and delve deeper into the themes presented in the play. Notably, Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman, a long-term advocate for the state’s medical-aid-in-dying legislation, is expected to participate in these enlightening discussions.

Patient Choices Vermont played a crucial role in the enactment of Act 39, advocating for the rights of terminally ill patients to choose medical aid in dying. Their efforts included extensive public education campaigns, legislative lobbying, and collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure the law’s implementation. The organization continues to work diligently to educate both the public and healthcare practitioners about the provisions of Act 39, helping to demystify the process and address concerns surrounding end-of-life choices. Through workshops, informational resources, and a comprehensive website at www.PatientChoices.org they aim to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their own care and to foster a compassionate dialogue around this sensitive topic.

Meet the Visionary Behind Act 39

Rob Mermin, the playwright and co-director, is the founder of Vermont’s beloved Circus Smirkus. He brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the stage. His accolades include prestigious awards from around the world, and his memoir, Circle of Sawdust, published in 2024, reflects on his remarkable journey through the arts. Rob’s passion for storytelling shines through in Act 39, making it a personal and impactful work.

Join Us in Celebrating Life and Choices

As Act 39 tours through Greensboro (August 29 – September 1), Burlington (September 4 – September 8), and Woodstock (September 12 – September 14). As co-sponsors of the production, Patient Choices Vermont encourages you to join us for an evening of thought-provoking theater that promises to resonate long after the final curtain falls. Let’s come together to celebrate the human experience through the lens of Act 39.

Watch the official ACT 39 trailer on YouTube