Urban/Rural Divorce in the American West
The Center of the American West strives to educate the general public on issues pertaining to the contemporary West by examining history as well as new intellectual viewpoints through a dialogue inspired by a diverse range of speakers, conferences and events. “The Urban/Rural Divorce in the West” is a prime example of this. The Urban/Rural Divorce in the West is a program that outlines the delicate relationship held between the growing cities and the retracting countrysides of the American West. It does so in very human terms - in the form of a troubled marriage on trial.
The Urban/Rural Divorce in the West, presents three characters, Sandy Greenhills West, Urbana Asphalt West and their adolescent daughter, Suburbia Greenlawn West, in a court's preliminary divorce hearing. Sandy is requesting a divorce from his wife, Urbana Asphalt West, who instead wants Sandy to seek counseling, and for them to remain married. Sandy's arguments range from citing Urbana's “failure to support,” to her “infidelity through flirting with foreign markets.” The jury (made up of members of the community in which the Divorce is presented) determines whether Sandy and Urbana can work out their problems or have irreconcilable differences and should be granted a divorce. The outcome is always different depending upon what the jurors decide - oftentimes, that includes both parties seeking counseling.
The Urban/Rural Divorce in the West cast usually consists of Dr. Patricia Limerick, Dr. Charles Scoggin and Tamar Scoggin, as well as residents from the community in which the play is performed. This performance has been presented across the West for over five years. Each time the divorce is performed it changes, according to current events as well as the venue. The event is both entertaining and educational - and highly recommended.
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