'Everyman' Play Explores Death, Judgement

Cierra Denning, a senior theater major from Parker, Colorado, directs “Everyman,” a 15th century allegorical play about morality on Dec. 7-8 at 7 p.m. in Westmont’s Porter Theatre. The play is free and open to the public. “Everyman,” written by an unknown author in Middle English during the Tudor Period and translated by Mark J. Castello, examines the ways of entering heaven through the merit of good works and deeds in one’s life.

“Everyman, a character who symbolizes all humanity, learns from Death that her time has come and she will face judgement,” Denning says. “Terrified of death and the prospect of having wasted her life, she visits all that is important to her to find someone, something, to walk with her to death’s door.”

The play provides an astonishing theological debate of salvation. “I am not seeking a comfortable ending for this performance,” she says. “I want the audience to feel challenged and reinforced, asking questions about life, death and faith.”

The cast includes Rachel Harriges (Everyman), Katy McDonald (Messenger/Goods/Confession/Discretion/Doctor), Kat Delaney (God/Knowledge), Jared Clarke (Death/Good-Deeds/Strength), Tyler Lynch (Kindred/Beauty/Angel) and Emi Brewer (Cousin/Five-Wits).