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CORVALLIS, Ore. - The University Theatre program at Oregon State University will present the American premiere of the Irish play, "Unravelling the Ribbon," Oct. 17-19.

The play, which uses the Irish spelling of the word "unraveling," was first produced in Dublin by Gúna Nua Theatre.

"Unravelling the Ribbon" is a humorous look at the experiences of three women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. Fittingly, the play will be performed at OSU in October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The University Theatre, with the support of several other organizations, will produce a staged reading of the play on Oct. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.

In the production are veteran actresses Trischa Goodnow as Rose, Charlotte Headrick as Lola, and Leonora Rianda as Lyndsey.

"Unravelling the Ribbon" is a story of friendship, change, and survival. An Irish reviewer wrote: "For anyone worrying that the themes of this play may cause worry or grief, be comforted in knowing that, while it is an honest play, it also awakens us to the joys and hope that life offers us." And the critic for The Irish Times wrote of the 2007 production "Elegant in its construction and touching in its effect."

Goodnow has directed "The Vagina Monologues" at OSU. Headrick was last seen as Kate Keller in "All My Sons" for the University Theatre. Rianda was last seen in the Holocaust play "Just One More Dance." Headrick and Goodnow are faculty in the Department of Speech Communication at OSU and Rianda is on the staff of the Department of Philosophy.

The lab theater is located on the east side of Withycombe Hall, on 30th and Campus Way, Corvallis.

The production is free but donations will be accepted and part of the proceeds will go to breast cancer research.

After each performance there will be a discussion of the play with the audience. The play is supported by OSU University Theatre, OSU Women Studies, OSU Department of Anthropology, OSU's Difference, Power & Discrimination Program, OSU's Center for the Humanities, and a L.L. Stewart Grant.

The play is produced by arrangement with Nick Hern Books.

"Unravelling the Ribbon" contains strong language. For information, contact University Theatre at 541-737-2853.