NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Per Aspera, a play written by Heidi Unruh, takes the stage at the Flag Theatre in Hutchinson this weekend. The play is about the impact of the space program on the families of the astronauts.
"The idea for this play started about 15 years ago," Unruh said. "I was reading a picture book autobiography of Buzz Aldrin to my son, my young son. And that got me interested in the life stories of astronauts, and the more reading I did, so many amazing stories come to light."
The stories of the difficulties the astronauts faced will take you through many emotions.
"Some are shocking, some are tragic, others inspirational and heroic," Unruh said. "I guarantee you will be surprised by some of the history. Everything in the play is based on historical fact. It's told in an imaginative way, but all the main characters and the incidents described in the play are absolutely real, except for the time travel. That part I made up."
According to director Craig Williams, taking on a brand new play provides opportunities and challenges. Unruh is glad they were willing to go on the journey with her.
"I'm so, so grateful to Family Community Theater and Craig and the rest of the crew for taking this play on," Unruh said. "They took on a chance. They were going into the unknown with me. The opportunity to work, like Craig said, with a cast that brings to life the play in some ways I could not have dreamed of when I wrote the script. There've been a few changes, but I think all for the better."
Showtimes for Per Aspera are Sept. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. All performances are at the Flag Theater located at 310 N. Main St. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at familycommunitytheatre.org.