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The discussion will feature Maud Purcell, who also conducted a lively talk-back session after the DAC fall production of "God of Carnage."
The sentimental and at-times humorous slice-of-life play, "On Golden Pond" encompasses universal family themes of love, loss, aging, resentment and forgiveness.
Purcell, a local psychotherapist from the Life Solution of Darien, anticipates discussing topics that include the quest to please one’s parents into adulthood, the normalcy of family dysfunction, the healing power of acknowledging vulnerability and the inevitable process of aging and its impact on the individual and family.
"The audience gets to see a turn of events that could actually happen," Purcell said. "They will be watching transitions within a family that can be inevitable for all of us. 'On Golden Pond' allows them to have an inside look at the ‘Thayers’ with tenderness and humor at the same time."
Purcell, the director and cast members will share their experience with the audience during the discussion, moderated by DAC board member Abbie Van Nostrand.
"On Golden Pond" focuses on an aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on the pond. As the story unfolds, daughter Chelsea and her fiancé Billy Ray and his son, visit the Thayers at their summer home. The couple asks Ethel and Norman to watch Billy Ray Jr. for an extended time while they visit Europe. This leads to an unexpected and unlikely bonding between Norman and the boy. The play explores the often-turbulent relationship Chelsea shared with her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by the older couple in their twilight years.
In addition to the Saturday performance at 8 p.m., there is a Sunday performance at 2 p.m., both in the DAC Weatherstone Studio.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at darienarts.org or by calling the DAC box office at 203-655-5414.
The DAC is at 2 Renshaw Road, behind Darien Town Hall.
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