Dr.Wang

FYI: At EACH of the 7 Molly Sweeney shows (at 7:25pm before the curtain goes up), Dr. Wang will appear on stage and make a brief speech:"Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to witness a show about the human sight and experience. As someone who has been dedicated to sight restoration for many decades, I have come to realize that there are actually two kinds of human sight, the physical sight with which we capture the optical images with our eyes, and, no less important the emotional and spiritual sight with which we feel and we experience, about the vision of our lives. Tonight we will witness a very special show about human sight and emotions. It is a beautiful story. Enjoy!"--------------------------------------------------------------------------------People's Branch Theatre presents Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel Feb 5-7, 11-14, 2009 7:30 pm The Belcourt Theatre starring: NaTasha O'Brien, Brad Oxnam, Richard Daniel presented by: Dr. Ming Wang, Wang Vision Institute People's Branch Theatre, Nashville's professional progressive theatre, will continue its 2008-2009 season with Molly Sweeney by Irish playwright Brian Friel February 5th thru 14th at the historic Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village, with a special Pay-What-You-Can performance on Wednesday, February 11th. Directed by PBT Artistic Director Ross Brooks.The story focuses on Molly, blind since early infancy, who is convinced by her new husband to undergo surgery that will restore some of her sight. She then must re-learn how to interpret the world with her new sense - offering new things to celebrate and to mourn. Her husband, Frank, who pushes Molly into this operation, relates his view of his wife's journey into the sighted world and the challenges they both face with their new life. Molly's once-famous eye surgeon, Mr. Rice, watches both Molly and Frank and reveals his opinion of them along with his own fears in handling the operation. Through it all we see each character's painful and happy histories, their memories, and the events that led them to meet. Their stories interweave on stage, threading in and around each other's lives, until the unexpected and touching conclusion to this striking tale."This is a gorgeous play by one of Ireland's best contemporary playwrights," says PBT Artistic Director Ross Brooks, "and it's a beautiful, sad, and ultimately moving love story that is perfect for the most hopeless romantics in PBT's audience. Plus, the role of Molly will be played by NaTasha O'Brien, a fantastic Nashville actress who is also blind. Tasha's own life experience adds an extraordinary element to this play, reinforcing the idea that blindness does not equal helplessness." Miss O'Brien is supported by local actors Brad Oxnam as Molly's energetic yet flighty husband Frank and Richard Daniel as Mr. Rice, the once-famous ophthalmologist who reluctantly agrees to perform the surgery. Each performance will feature a special guest introduction by Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD, founder of the Wang Vision Institute and one of the world's foremost sight restoration surgeons. PBT TAKES MOLLY TO TSB!Panel Discussion to follow featuring Dr. Ming Wang People's Branch will perform Molly Sweeney for students, staff and family of the Tennessee School for the Blind at the TSB campus in Donelson on February 9, 2009. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the students at TSB to experience a story that is extremely relevant to their own lives," says PBT Artistic Director Ross Brooks. "One of the most powerful themes explored in the play is that disability should not prevent anyone from leading a rich, productive life, filled with friends, family and experiences. We feel that, if anyone in Nashville should have the opportunity to see Molly Sweeney, it's the kids and staff of TSB, and since they can't come to us, we're taking it to them."The performance will be followed by a panel discussion open to the public about the themes explored in the play. Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD, will be the featured panelist. Topics will include the integration of the blind and visually impaired into society, special surgical procedures to correct certain conditions, and the ethical issues raised by the play concerning the restoration of sight. Confirmed panelists include: Dr. Ming Wang, MD, PhD NaTasha O'Brien, the actor playing Molly Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of the TN Statewide Independent Living Council Joanne Weatherall,graduate and faculty of the TN School for the Blind Dr. Joseph Lutche, OD, owner of Concord Vision and Treasurer of PBT's Board of Trustees Wednesday, February 11, is a Special Pay-What-You-Can night. Tickets are $18 General Admission, $12 for seniors and students with ID and can be purchased thru the Belcourt Box Office by calling 846-3150 or online at www.belcourt.org.People's Branch Theatre is Nashville's professional progressive theatre. Established in 2000, PBT consistently brings together the best local artists to create bold, innovative, and socially progressive theatre for Nashville. By expanding the boundaries of what is possible onstage, PBT adds a dynamic and exciting new voice to Nashville's cultural landscape.