Play raises awareness of homeless vets

The Theatre Company’s spring production “Low Hanging Fruit” by Robin Bradford, opens next Thursday, March 3, at the Marlene Boll Theatre at the YMCA in Detroit. 

The show is a joint project between UDM and Matrix theatre companies.

“Low Hanging Fruit” tells the story of four ex-military women, broken and damaged by their experiences, who find ways to survive and cope on the streets through their friendship.

The show is part of a long-term initiative to raise awareness in the Detroit community about female veteran homelessness.

“For me, the real story is not only the shameful abandonment of the women who have served our country,” said director Lisa Hodge Kander, “but also the power of friendship to support and sometimes heal us, even when we are badly broken.”

The production is just the beginning of the project to increase community awareness.

There will be five post-show audience-enrichment events, on March 6, 10, 13, 17 and 20.

Each event will be focused on a different topic based on female veteran homelessness, spearheaded by the Matrix Theatre Company.

In addition, UDM is leading a clothing and goods drive.

Drop off locations will be at University of Detroit Mercy, the Boll Family YMCA during performances, Matrix Theatre Company and at each Alliance Catholic Credit Union in metro Detroit. 

When dropping off items, donors will receive a $5 voucher good toward a ticket at any performance of “Low Hanging Fruit.” The drive will conclude on March 20 with all items being donated to the Homeless Action Network of Detroit. 

This performance will include a new set of restaurant partners near the Boll Family YMCA Theatre location, as well.

Participating restaurants are La Feria Spanish Tapas, Rub BBQ Detroit, The Detroit Beer Co. and Traffic Jam and Snug.

Anyone who attends the show can simply show their ticket stub at any of the restaurants to receive special offers and discounts on food and drinks.

“Low Hanging Fruit” will run for 12 performances between March 3 and 20.

The YMCA is located at 1401 Broadway Street. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Thursday evenings will be theatre industry performances nights when tickets will be $10 for anyone in the performing arts industry. Those tickets can only be purchased over the phone or at the theatre the night of the performance.

Tickets prices are $25 for general admission, $22 for senior citizens, $15 for veterans and $10 for students. Group rates are available. 

 Tickets may be ordered at 313-993-3270 or www.UDMarts.com.