The Lifespan of a Fact has two remaining performances at Lea's of Lecompte in Monroe, presented by CA Studio.
NPR describes the non-fiction book that inspired the play as "the most improbably entertaining book ever published."
The Lifespan of a Fact tells the story of Jim Fingal, a young fact-checker ready to prove himself, as he squares off with legendary author, John D'Agata. D'Agata has just finished a sure-to-be-awarded essay, but was not entirely truthful in his work. Fingal and D'Agata disagree about whether it is appropriate to change facts in writing that is both non-fiction and art.
As the deadline for the essay looms, a nationally-known magazine editor, Emily Penrose (played by Natalie Weaver), gets personally involved and acts as judge and jury over the arguments. In the end, one question will be answered: Should this beautiful essay, artistic and inaccurate, be published?
The small ensemble cast consists of Tyler Smith, Jackson Culp, and Natalie Weaver. Smith and Culp each take on the additional challenge of playing two characters. They perform as the fact-checker and author, alternating each night.
According to Smith, playing two characters has been very interesting. "It was nerve-racking at first, but we both agreed to take on the challenge. And we've done it. It's been met with a lot of success."
Performances are Saturday, January 25, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, January 26, at 6 p.m.
Ticket information is available here.