Kuntu Repertory Theatre Production to Examine Alzheimer's Disease

March 12, 2002

PITTSBURGH—"Eighth Day of the Week," a play exploring the struggles and triumphs of the members of an African American family as they learn to deal with their mother's memory loss, will be presented from 4 to 6 p.m. April 7 in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium of Alumni Hall (formerly the Masonic Temple),

4227 Fifth Avenue, on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Written by Prester Pickett and directed by Vernell A. Lillie, professor of Africana studies at Pitt and Kuntu founder and artistic director, this play originally was produced and presented in 1995 by the University Alzheimer Center at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. It also was produced in 2001 by the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis, the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis, and the St. Louis Black Repertory Company.

The cast includes Rita Gregory, Vanessa German, Nathan James, Art Terry, Lonnie Thomas, and Joyce Arrindell.

The Pitt production is presented by the Alzheimer Outreach Center and Alzheimer Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, and Kuntu Repertory Theatre; the production is partially funded through a grant from Eisai, Inc.

"Eighth Day of the Week" is free, but reservations are required. For more information, call Kuntu Repertory Theatre at 412/624-7298.

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