With her new play, Elephant’s Graveyard, Jade Rosina McCutcheon, an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, takes a close look at getting older and being “put out to graze.”

UC Davis’ Sideshow Physical Theatre, a laboratory for the exploration of contemporary issues in dance and theater, is putting on the play, with McCutcheon as the director. Opening night is set for Oct. 23.

McCutcheon said Elephant’s Graveyard explores the ways we deal with our elderly and our fears of old age and dying: In whose arms shall I die? Where are my children? Why am I alone after giving so much of my life to those I love?

Here is a portion of what McCutcheon wrote for the program notes:

“I have been researching and working on this play for two years after witnessing many heartbreaking and disturbing scenarios around aging, aged care and elderly accommodation. I read many blogs debating the worth of ‘longevity’ versus euthanasia, home care or institutionalized care.

“I spoke with elderly people in Davis, Sydney, San Francisco, Seoul, Sacramento and Melbourne. I spoke with my general practitioner, my friends, family and colleagues on campus.

“It seems we are all very concerned with the issue of aging and the future. I wanted to put some of these issues forward to this community for consideration, debate and information via the artistic and social medium of physical theater.

“Hopefully, the play attempts to highlight some of these issues and questions in a thoughtful and entertaining way. There will be question-and-answer sessions after the two Sunday performances. Please join us for discussion.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Assistant professor Jade Rosina McCutcheon’s new play, Elephant’s Graveyard, presented by Sideshow Physical Theatre. With music by graduate student Garrett Shatzer and faculty composer Laurie San Martin. Question-and-answer sessions after both Sunday performances.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24 and 30-31, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1

WHERE: Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

TICKETS are available through the Mondavi Center box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or mondaviarts.org.

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Sideshow Physical Theatre is the resident professional company in the Department of Theatre and Dance, and the resident performing company at the Mondavi Center.