Sugar Bear by Dana Lynn Formby
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Readers for this performance:
- Andrew (Dad) - Jared Benn
- Andy (Son) - Marcus Rulli
- Marlene (Momma) - Jesse Graham
- Peanut (Daughter) - Emily Ryan
- Papaw (Grandpa) - G. William Zorn
Dana Lynn Formby - Playwright
This play provides a look into a multi-generational family that is dealing currently with diabetes. Dana is a blue-collar playwright whose voice was carved by the relentless Wyoming wind—lips tight, eyes squinted, legs crossed because god knows what could blow in. She is the 2008 recipient of The Scott McPherson Playwriting Award with a MFA in Playwriting from Ohio University. Her plays include Armed with Peanut Butter which was invited to New York's American Globe Theatre as part of their short play festival, Sugar Bear, which was commissioned by the Ohio University's School of Medicine; Inherit the Whole, which was given a reading at Premiere Stages in Union New Jersey and at Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago; and Loaded Gavel, which was presented summer 2008 at the Houston Urban Reading Series. Dana's first full-length play, Frequency 98.6, received a full production at the University of Wyoming in 2005 and was invited to be one of five plays performed at the regional American College Theatre Festival in 2006. Her one-act play, Monday after Work, won a scholarship to the 2005 Playwright's Intensive at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Sugar Bear by Dana Lynn Formby provides a look at three family generations living with diabetes. As Papaw plans to visit, the family gets ready for his arrival. However, some earlier morning chaos results in some lively family interaction as they try to sort out what has really happened. The play can be viewed online. You may want to have a small group view the play online and then use the discussion guide for discussion.
The SUGAR Plays Discussion Guide
A companion discussion guide to use in a “talk-back session“ after viewing the plays is provided. Whether the plays are read in a small group with just a few participants or if the video is viewed by group members online or if a community theatre activity occurs, having some follow-up discussion can be useful. It is always good to get people’s ideas about what it is they just saw. The SUGAR Plays Discussion Guide will provide some ideas to get people talking about the play and how it related locally to what they view as concerns around diabetes. It will be good if a diabetes educator or other knowledgeable person is available to answer medical questions. However, even if no one is there, the group will likely enjoy just talking about the ideas the plays bring out. Additional instructions for use of the plays are in the guide.
Living with Diabetes in Appalachia
Watch the film Living with Diabetes in Appalachia, a Diabetes: A Family Matter exclusive.
Diabetes: A Family Matter
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