The Women of Lockerbie

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Steve Noll

Cast members of "The Women of Lockerbie."

Cast members of "The Women of Lockerbie," Madison College Performing Arts, 2023.

This serious drama about the repercussions of the bombing of PanAm Flight 103 on the residents of Lockerbie, Scotland, should prove emotional in a world that has not gotten safer in the nearly 35 years since the tragedy. Yet the story of how the townspeople rallied to get the clothing of the victims back to their families is cathartic. Shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

media release: Madison College Performing Arts will present Deborah Brevoort’s award-winning play “The Women of Lockerbie” on the Mitby Theater stage, October 13-22.

The play, directed by Allen Ebert, takes the audience to Lockerbie, Scotland seven years after the crash of Pan Am 103. Terrorists placed a bomb on the plane which exploded over and devastated the small Scotland town. 

Madeleine, a grieving American mother (played by Jessica Jane Witham) is in Lockerbie desperate to find some trace of her son. The U.S. government is about to set fire to the remaining clothing and other scraps of personal effects that fell from the plane. 

Women of the town rally to prevent the destruction of these items so they can preserve them and return them to the families of the dead. The play is based on a true story. Women of Lockerbie did form a “Laundry Project” to give peace to families impacted by the crash. 

“The Women of Lockerbie” is a recipient of a Silver Medal at the Onassis International Playwriting Competition; was developed at Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, New Dramatists, Geva Theater Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, among others, and has been produced throughout the country.  

Despite the tragic backdrop, “The Women of Lockerbie” is ultimately a tale of how love triumphs over hate. 

Several local guest artists are involved in the production as actors and designers. These guest artists serve as professional examples to student cast and crew members. 

Students are filling critical roles as assistant director, stage manager, master electrician, assistant stage manager, wardrobe and props assistants, lighting and sound operators. 

The cast of local actors features Jessica Jane Witham, David Pausch, Samara Safarik, Patrick O’Hara, Jamie England, Rebecca Raether and Heather Klinke; and student actor Megan Rosseter. Student Leah Manicor and local performer Sara Beth Hahner are understudies. 

Performances will take place in the round on the Mitby Theater Stage. The Mitby is located inside the Madison College main campus, 1701 Wright Street. Shows take place October 13 through 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. 

Tickets are $16 general admission, with $13 tickets for youth and seniors. All performances are free to Madison College students with their OneCard. Go to madisoncollege.edu/lockerbie

“The Women of Lockerbie” begins a season that shares a theme of “a bright new day.” 

Upcoming shows this season are American classic “Bus Stop,” by William Inge, directed by Karen Saari in the Madison College Studio Theater. The college will also present the jukebox musical “Rock of Ages” by Chris D’Arienzo, directed by David Pausch, in March 2024.