In a modern museum a few people dwell on the wonder of Rembrandt’s “Aristotle with a Bust of Homer.” A guard is so moved by its effect that he moves forward, crossing into forbidden territory. His fingers connect with the canvas. A time portal opens up and there are encounters with the artist himself as well as with the legendary Greek teller of tales. This new odyssey takes place in Jessica Dickey’s play The Guard, on view at UNO.
Dickey says that it “speaks to the permanence of art and the impermanence of life.” Debuting in 2015 at D.C.’s Women’s Voice Theater Festival this was also described as a “human and humane comedy” seeking to frame “the power of creative expression and sacrifices made in pursuing love and beauty.”
Dickey gained much attention with her play The Amish Project, a fictional exploration of real events in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County when a gunman took Amish schoolgirls hostage and killed several. The community forgave him and embraced his grieving family. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Nickel_Mines_School_shooting
Dickey also wrote Row After Row, a comedy about Civil War re-enactors, and Charles Ives Take Me Home. She’s also an actress. www.jessicadickey.
Her stage canvas delves time. With swift brush strokes.
The Guard appears Feb.22- Mar. 4, UNO Theatre, Weber Fine Arts Building, 6001 Dodge Street.
Weds.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $5-$16. UNO students: free. http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/theatre-productions