The Wilma Theater: 'When the Rain Stops Falling' [10/12/16]

By Andrew Bovell
Directed by Blanka Zizka
October 12, 2016 – November 6, 2016

“A powerful metaphor for the impossibility of escaping the past, for the way we are all shaped by what came before — and are living in the shadow of what comes next.” –Time Magazine, Best New Play of the Year

A fish falls from the sky in the year 2039. A man named Gabriel prepares to meet his adult son after being estranged for twenty years. He wonders why his son is coming and what he wants: to know who he is? Where he comes from? Where he belongs? Gabriel knows nothing; his own past escapes him. As the story of Gabriel’s family unfolds onstage, his ancestors come alive around him to fill in the gaps. With its web of intricately overlapping connections, When the Rain Stops Falling follows four generations of a family from 1959 to 2039, and from London to Australia. As this family and their world evolve over time, one question remains: in the face of climate change, can we break our habits and change the way we live?

IN THE WILMA LOBBY: A Sustainable Philadelphia, 2039

To enhance the production’s exploration of climate change and a green future, the Wilma’s lobby installation, “A Sustainable Philadelphia, 2039,” will feature an interactive environmental education display, which will be open to community. Working with Plant Group, the Wilma has imagined how a resilient and sustainable Philadelphia might look a generation from now. The exhibit will explore possibilities of Philadelphia's climate smart future and green infrastructure, with a self-watering planter with air-purifying plants and indoor air quality sensors; interactive tablets with digital resources; and outreach materials from the organizations involved.

Other contributing organizations include Philadelphia Water Department, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, The Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University, Delaware River Watershed Initiative, Philly CUSP (Climate and Urban Systems Partnership) led by the Franklin Institute, and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.

BEER TASTING PRE-SHOW RECEPTION
Friday, October 14, 2016 - 7:00pm
Join us for a pre-show beer tasting in our lobby from 7 to 8pm sponsored by Saint Benjamin Brewing Company—complimentary for ticket-holders to that evening's performance!

DIRECTORS GATHERING DIALOGUE
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 9:00pm
Immediately following the performance, a member of the Directors Gathering will join When the Rain Stops Falling director Blanka Zizka for an audience-led conversation to discuss the behind-the-scenes process of directing When the Rain Stops Falling.

OPENING NIGHT
Wednesday, October 19, 2016 - 7:30pm
POST SHOW DISCUSSION
Thursday, October 20, 2016 - 9:00pm
Learn more about the production through discussions with artists and audience members following these evening performances.

ART IN THE ANTHROPOCENE, A DISCUSSION SYMPOSIUM
Saturday, October 22, 2016 - 4:30pm
What are the challenges for artists trying to address the theme of climate change? A multi-disciplinary panel addresses the question. Panelists will include E. Ann Kaplan, author of Climate Trauma, and Philadelphia poet Brian Teare.

POST SHOW DISCUSSION
Thursday, October 27, 2016 - 9:00pm
Learn more about the production through discussions with artists and audience members following these evening performances.

YOUNG FRIENDS PRE-SHOW RECEPTION
Friday, October 28, 2016 - 7:00pm
For audience members 40 and under, this performance includes a complimentary pre-show food and drink reception at the Wilma from 7 to 8pm!

WHAT’S NEXT? A DISCUSSION SYMPOSIUM.
Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 4:30pm
A distinguished panel will discuss what we can do as individuals and as citizens to meet the challenges of a changing climate. Panelists will include Philadelphia entrepreneur and activist Judy Wicks (White Dog Cafe, Sustainable Business Network) and Ashley Dawson, author of the forthcoming Extreme Cities: Climate Change and the Urban Future.

COFFEE CHAT
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 2:00pm
Chat with literary staff about When The Rain Stops Falling and enjoy complimentary coffee from Saxbys Coffee following Wednesday’s matinee performance

OPEN CAPTIONING
Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 2:00pm

The Wilma Theater: 'When the Rain Stops Falling'

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The Wilma Theater: 'When the Rain Stops Falling'

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