The theatre program at West Texas A&M University presents opening night of Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 in the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre on campus.

Everybody is a contemporary retelling of the anonymously-written, 15th century morality play called Everyman, which is considered to be one of the oldest plays ever written in the English language. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 6-8, 13-15 and 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 16.

An allegorical story rooted in the liturgical dramas of medieval Catholicism, Everyman represented many Christian ideals such as fellowship, good deeds, confession and life after death. Jacobs-Jenkins assembled the original story and ideals into a satire of sorts, filled with bold theatricality, social and political commentary, and both humorous and poignant examinations of humanity and faith in the face of mortality.

Everybody represents a person’s complex journey from life to death. Posing questions like what does life mean, what happens when we die, how do we accept such a thing that terrifies us, who will be with us in the end, and what can we really take with us? Additionally, Everybody is a truly unique theatrical experience in which the actors for each character is chosen by lottery in front of the audience during each performance. Rated R for strong language.

Tickets can be reserved at the WT Box Office by calling 806-651-2804 or online. They are priced at $12 each for adults and $8 for seniors and non-WT students. Two free tickets are provided for WT faculty, staff and one free for students.

-West Texas A&M University