Many electric cooperatives across the country are celebrating their 75th anniversary. Celebrating that history is a play, Send the Light, which was conceived and written by Don Shandrow, a member of Corn Belt Energy, Bloomington, Ill. Music for the play was written by Phil Shaw, with incidental music by David Berchtold. Devon Lovell was part of the original four-actor cast of “Send the Light,” during its premier in 2007.
The action of the play concerns the controversy surrounding the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) and its impact on farm communities. Many groups, especially utility companies, opposed the federal government’s involvement in developing and distributing electric power. Onstage, conflicts arise within families and communities as they argue the pros and cons of “sending the light” to rural farms.
The play will be shown at the Illinois State University College of Fine Arts Westhoff Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts and Centennial Buildings: 400 W. Beaufort St, Normal, Ill. Dates are October 17 – 19 and October 22 – 26, 7:30 p.m., with a matinee October 19, 2:00 p.m. Contact the Box Office at (309) 438-2535.
