Where Is The Mercy?
As published in the Health Care for ALL Oregon website:
Mercy Killers brings the human story behind cancer statistics
to Oregon
Cancer has a major impact on society in the United States and across the world. Cancer statistics describe what happens in large groups of people and provide a picture in time of the burden of cancer on society. According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 40% of American men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetime: one of three women and one of two men. Additionally, prominent oncologists are calling for support of a grass-roots movement to stem the rapid increases of prices of cancer drugs. More than 60% of bankruptcies in the US are caused by such out-of-control medical expense.
Award-winning playwright/actor Michael Milligan portrays the human face of these statistics, dramatizing the crushing psychological and financial impact of such a diagnosis on ordinary people with his one-man play, Mercy Killers. At the invitation of Health Care for All-Oregon and sponsored by Physicians for a National Health Program, Milligan is bringing the play on an Oregon tour in September. His performances will be followed by “talk-back” audience participation with Milligan and local medical personnel and advocates. Proceeds, after expenses, will benefit HCAO and its regional groups
Milligan has performed Mercy Killers hundreds of times in churches, homes and theaters across the land. The play, inspired by his personal experience, chronicles the reality, not just the statistics, of the corporate culture that runs our market-based health care system; of the struggle with insurance companies, drug companies and hospitals that profit from medical distress and then discard terminally ill people when they no longer can pay.
Joe is an all-American apple pie, Rush Limbaugh-loving, blue-collar patriot with conservative values of self-reliance and personal responsibility. His love of country, life and liberty are thrown into question when his wife becomes sick. Suddenly, the American Dream is not what it seems. Joe is being interrogated by an unseen police investigator over the death of his terminally ill wife. His tragic tale of love and anger illuminates the dark side of the American medical system
Milligan was a member of a working group of Occupy Wall Street called Health Care for the 99 Percent and works with the advocacy group Health Care Now. He is committed to theater that tells the story of ordinary people, that allows audiences to see themselves and their experiences reflected on stage. Mercy Killers is a surprisingly tender love story, a cry from the heart, not a prescription. With this play, Milligan delivers a message that must be honored, regardless of ideology.
Bring your friends and buy your tickets now. This is a message you won't want to miss.
Mercy Killers performances are scheduled for:
Portland: Thursday September 17, 8 p.m. at The Alberta Rose Theater, 3000 NE Alberta street. Buy your tickets NOW. Sponsored by the Portland Health Action Group.
Contact Tom Sincic for more information.
Newport: Friday September 18, 7 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Center,777 W Olive St. Sponsored by HCAO Newport. Ticket price is $15 at the door, with advance sales available HERE. Contact Jerry Robbins for more information.
Albany/Corvallis: Saturday September 19, 7 p.m. at the Linn-Benton Community College Russell Tripp auditorium, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW in Albany. Sponsored by Mid-Valley Health Care Advocates. Tickets may be purchased at Grass Roots Bookstore on Second Street in downtown Corvallis and will also be sold at the door. In addition, people can call Tessa Green at 541-961-8436 to have tickets mailed. Tickets will be $10 regular, $7 for seniors and students.
Springfield: Sunday September 20, 2 p.m. in the Richard E. Wildish Community Theatre, 630 Main St. Buy your tickets NOW. Sponsored by HCAO Eugene/Springfield.
Contact Vicki Anderson for more information.
Florence: Thursday September 24, 7 p.m. at the City Light Cinemas, 1930 HWY 101 in Florence. Sponsored by HCAO Florence. Advance tickets will be sold at City Lights Cinemas, 2006 Hwy 101, every day between noon and midnight until Sept. 24. They are also available online HERE. Get tickets early to avoid delays the night of the show.
Contact Stuart Henderson for more information.
Eugene: Friday September 25, 7:30 p.m. in The very Little Theatre, 2350 Halyard St. in Eugene. Buy your tickets NOW Sponsored by HCAO Eugene/Springfield.
Contact Lou Sinniger for more information.
