Wild Swan receives National Endowment for the Humanities grant

These funds will support the touring of its original play "Shipwrecked!" to sites around the state with a strong maritime culture and heritage: the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point; the Peter White Library in Marquette; the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven; and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena.

"Shipwrecked!", which premiered at Wild Swan’s home stage at Washtenaw Community College this past spring, is a stirring coming-of-age drama set during a fierce winter storm on Lake Huron in 1893. Twelve-year-old Amos Buchanan, sailing with his parents on their small schooner loaded with Christmas trees from Sault Ste. Marie, is tested in ways he never dreamed possible when a ferocious gale suddenly materializes in Thunder Bay's infamous "Shipwreck Alley."

This original drama, written by long-time Wild Swan playwright Jeff Duncan, is based on historical accounts of the period and provides audiences with a fine opportunity to explore the Great Lakes and Michigan's history, geography, music and maritime heritage. As with all Wild Swan productions, it will be highly artistic theater that is accessible, diverse, and inclusive.

“Because the Great Lakes are such an important part of the physical and cultural heritage of our state, we are pleased that the Michigan Humanities Council is supporting us in the touring of this new production.” said Hilary Cohen, co-artistic director of Wild Swan Theater, in a press release. “We look forward to bringing it to communities with a deep and enduring connection to this vital natural resource.”

WST just concluded it 32nd season. For more information, call 734-995-0530 or visit www.wildswantheater.org or the Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Wild.Swan.Theater.