The University of Michigan department of musical theater will present a studio production of the play "Our Country's Good," by Timberlake Wertenbaker, on Thursday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, February 18-19 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 20 at 2 p.m. at the Arthur Miller Theater, 1226 Murfin.

The British drama explores the human bond between captives, captors, and the redemptive power of art, and Malcolm Tulip directs the production. (Theater department junior Katelyn Rouse designs the costumes, and engineering sophomore Charles Malott designs the lights.)

Wertenbaker, born in 1944 in New York and raised in France, is a playwright and translator. Adapted from the historical novel "The Playmaker" by Thomas Keneally ("Schindler's List"), "Our Country's Good" is Wertenbaker's best-known work. As part of her research while writing the play, Wertenbaker saw a play performed by convicts at a London prison and was inspired by the way that their roles changed their demeanor. As one of the main characters in "Our Country's Good" states, the drama is about discovering "what humanity lies hidden under the rags and filth of a mangled life." The play premiered in 1988 at the Royal Court Theatre. Well received, the work has become a staple in secondary education in the United Kingdom.

"Our Country's Good" captures the conflict in the convict camp of the first penal colony of Australia that was established in the 1780s. Through the narrative of producing the play "The Recruiting Officer," by George Farquhar, with the convicts, the play discusses themes of sexuality, human rights, punishment, the English judicial system, and theater as being a humanizing experience. "Our Country's Good" is very frank about sexual matters in both language and action; it contains adult situations and language, and is thus recommended for ages 16 and older.

In an effort to provide more performance opportunities for students, the department of musical theater presents one or two studio productions every year, in addition to its full-scale shows. Created on a minimal budget, studio productions offer the actors and designers the ability to experiment and to pursue ideas freely, without the pressure that comes with a full production. This difference is often indistinguishable to an audience. Following the performance on Friday, February 18, there will be a post-performance discussion moderated by Tulip and featuring members of the cast. Curtain call Fridays offer an opportunity for audience members to talk with artists about each production. Sponsored by Friends of Musical Theatre, Curtain Call Friday discussions are free and open to all.

Tickets for "Our Country's Good" are $16 general admission ($10 for students). Tickets are available in person at the League Ticket Office, located within the Michigan League. The Tickets Office is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday. Order by phone at 734-764-2538. All major credit cards accepted. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.music.umich.edu. The Arthur Miller Theatre, located within the Walgreen Drama Center at 1226 Murfin, is wheelchair accessible and equipped with an infrared listening system for hearing enhancement.