* Ayer-Shirley Youth Drama Remembers 9/11

Ayer-Shirley Youth Drama Remembers 9/11
A commemorative evening of theater to be held 9/9/11 at Ayer-Shirley Regional High School
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
 
AYER, MA: Ayer-Shirley Regional High School Principal Brian Haas is proud to announce that Ayer-Shirley Youth Drama has assembled a free and open to the public evening of theater to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001.  Said Haas, “On this 10th Anniversary, it seemed right to not only bring September 11th back to the forefront in people’s eyes, but also to get Ayer-Shirley Middle and High School students more aware.”  With that in mind, Ayer resident and High School Drama Director JulieAnn Govang took on the challenge, assembling “We Remember…,” and evening of three separate plays with a common theme – 9/11/01.  “Through my work, I’m very fortunate to know the work of many wonderful playwrights – three of whom immediately came to mind when I was considering material to use for our event.” 
 
The first play is a touching piece by New York playwright Robin Rice-Lichtig.  In it, an elementary school teacher can't cope with the present and wants to escape into the past. Thanks to historical figure Peter Stuyvesant, who stands astride the 17th and 21st Centuries, she finds the strength and desire to continue her life.  Directed by Govang, the production will feature Ayer’s Michael Govang opposite well-known Boston actress, Maryann Zschau.
 
The second play is a short called “Grieving Process,” written and directed by Little High School Choral/Music Director and Leominster playwright, Steven Bergman.  “Grieving Process” is a symbolic look at the survivors of the victims of September 11th.  Stan still sees and talks with his wife, who he lost in the Towers on that tragic day.  Stan’s sister still tries to help his brother move on, but has yet to succeef.  An emotionally touching piece, this play will feature recent Ayer-Shirley Regional High School graduate (and last Spring’s ‘Belle’ in “Disney’s Beauty & the Beast”), Kelsey Wenstrom, along with A-S.H.S.’s Stevie Schaeffer, and local actor Tom Shoemaker of Newton.
 
After an intermission filled with home-made and donated treats from supporters and businesses throughout the Ayer, Shirley and Devens Communities, Act II will be comprised of a single one-act play by local playwright Meron Langsner.  Langsner’s “Bystander 9/11” is an emotionally-charged, documentary drama drawn from the experiences of New Yorkers during the September 11th attacks and their immediate aftermath.  The story begins in the subways underneath the towers and continues in a changed world.  Also directed by JulieAnn Govang, this fast-paced account will feature A-S.H.S. students Dominique Jenkins, Hannah Levensailor, Stevie Schaeffer, Deja Williams and Taja Williams.
 
Concluded Govang, “We will never get over what happened a decade ago, but we get through it by holding together and keeping strong along the way.  One way to keep strong is reinforcing the importance of remembering to our teens, and helping them to understand what happened then, and what and why people have done, and continue to do every day (military, law enforcement…everyone) to keep our country safe.  It’s up to us to never let such days be forgotten.”
 
With additional support by local parents, teachers and students, “We Remember…” will be held September 9, 2011 at 7:00pm in Ayer Shirley Regional High School Auditorium, 141 Washington Street in Ayer.  This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  All are welcome, especially those throughout the Ayer, Shirley and Devens Communities.  For more information on the event, please call (978) 772-2545.