On Dec. 4-5, Sterling College students and the Sterling community will have the opportunity to experience a contemplative show with a political theme. For his senior project, Elijah Klein of Valley Center, Kansas, will direct a small cast in performing the drama “Far Away,” written by Caryl Churchill, in Culbertson Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, and will last approximately an hour. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

“It’s deep. ‘Far Away’ is a dystopian universe that starts off slightly different than ours, but progressively gets worse and worse throughout the show, ending in total chaos. It’s a political drama that tells the woes of government cover-ups and propaganda,” said Klein.

“Far Away” introduces the audience to a young girl named Joan, who witnesses her uncle performing atrocities in the name of “good.” As an adult, Joan works in a factory, where she excels in her job: making extravagant hats for prisoners to wear as they are marching to execution. She befriends a co-worker named Todd, and their conversations are filled with everyday complaints about management and working conditions, rather than their contributions to the ceaseless system of murder in their society. Later on, Joan and Todd are married, and a world war has broken out, with alliances forming between odd groups such as French cats, Latvian dentists and even the grass.

“I liked how it was different. It had a much more political, contemporary style, and it doesn’t have much of an ending. You’re going to have to think about it,” said Klein about the process of selecting “Far Away” for his senior project.

Klein is directing “Far Away” to fulfill the requirement for his degree in theatre arts: directing and performing. In fact, during his time at Sterling College, Klein has been highly involved in the theatre program. He has assumed roles in both plays and musicals, starring in the productions of “Jane Eyre,” “Godspell,” “The Great Divorce,” and many more. Klein also has prior experience in directing from his involvement with the College’s annual one-act plays events. After graduation, Klein plans to return to Wichita and build his resume before moving to Chicago, Illinois, or another city known for its theatre opportunities.

The cast of “Far Away” will feature Claire Zerull of North Richland Hills, Texas, as Joan; Lindy Smith of Sharon Springs, Kansas, as Harper; and Andrew Stansbury of Lorraine, Kansas, as Todd.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.