UST Alumna Directs Mother Teresa Play

Mother Teresa's love and grace has crossed cultural barriers and warmed hearts around the world. To exemplify and celebrate her observance of the value of humanity, the University of St. Thomas Fine Arts and Drama Department is partnering with Houston's A.D. Players for a weekend of events to premier the performance of "Malcolm and Teresa," which previews on May 22 and 23, opens on May 24 and runs through June 23 at A.D. Players, 2710 W. Alabama.

a target="_blank" href="http://stthom.edu">UST alumna Katharine Hatcher 2007 is directing the show, and she is beyond thrilled at the opportunity to partner with her alma mater on the project, which has caught the eye of UST First Lady Marianne Ivany.

"I will forever be in debt to UST for the education I received and the relationships I formed there, and I feel very blessed that the Lord has allowed me to be involved once again with St. Thomas is a way that is very near to my heart," Hatcher said. "I am also extremely grateful to the University, Mrs. Ivany and the rest of the staff and faculty for being so tremendously supportive and in this endeavor."

In anticipation of the performances, UST will host two events on campus, May 3-4 in Jones Hall. Ivany will be the honorary chairperson, and the weekend kicks off with an interview with the playwright, Cathal Gallagher, "A Conversation with Cathal," for theater students and dramaturges, at 7 p.m. on May 3. Eric Domuret, assistant professor in drama at UST, will interview Gallagher. The event is free and open to the public.

The second event is a panel discussion, "In the Words of Mother Teresa," on how faith impacts one's response to the poor and outcast at 7 p.m. on May 4. Leigh McLeroy, a published author, will moderate the discussion. The panel will include Gallagher, Elizabeth Nunnally, senior vice president of programs at Star of Hope Mission, Cynthia Colbert, president of Catholic Charities, Sister Francesca Kearns, assistant congregational leader and general councilor of Sisters of Charity of The Incarnate Word, and Paule Anne Lewis, president/CEO of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston's San Jose Clinic. Reservations are strongly suggested as seating is limited. RSVP at MotherTeresaEvent@gmail.com.

"I am very excited at the prospect of such a strong, mutually beneficial, partnership between A. D. Players and UST, two places that are very dear to my heart," Hatcher said. "I am particularly excited that the art of theater is sparking so much discussion regarding issues of faith and social justice."

The play, "Malcolm and Teresa," tells the story of British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge and his interaction with Mother Teresa through a series of BBC interviews. Muggeridge later wrote a book and made a documentary about Mother Teresa and her work in Calcutta and is largely credited for "introducing" her to the world at large, Hatcher said.

All UST events are free and open to the public. For performance dates, times and ticket prices, visit A.D. Players' website.

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The University of St. Thomas, dedicated to educating leaders of faith and character, is a private institution committed to the liberal arts and to the religious, ethical and intellectual tradition of Catholic higher education. St. Thomas is Houston’s only Catholic University and was founded by the Basilian Fathers.