'Lifespan of a Fact' comes to The Sauk

JONESVILLE — “I’m not interested in accuracy,” John D’Agata tells Jim Fingal in “The Lifespan of a Fact. “I’m interested in truth.”

The play, based on the novel of the same name, comes to the Sauk Theatre in Jonesville for four performances this weekend only.

Fingal, played by Josh Lightner, is a fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker for a prominent but sinking New York magazine. D’Agata, portrayed by Darren Taylor, is a talented writer with a transcendent essay about the suicide of a teenage boy — an essay that could save the magazine from collapse. When Jim is assigned to fact check D’Agata’s essay, the two come head to head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth. The magazine’s editor Emily Penrose, played by Jennifer Wagler, is there to make sure the work is getting done as the publication deadline is quickly approaching.

“The Lifespan of a Fact” is based on the stirring true story of the real D’Agata’s essay, "What Happens There," about the Las Vegas suicide of teenager Levi Presley. Fingal, assigned to fact check the piece, ignited a seven-year debate on the blurred lines of what passes for truth in literary nonfiction.

The Sauk production is directed by Janet Meyer-Jackman with stage management by Barb Sexton. The design team includes Sarah Gray (costumes), Joella Hendrickson (lights), Bruce Crews (sound), Deb Smith (properties) and Jacob Weldon (video).

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Performances are at 8 p.m. August 22-24 and at 3 p.m. on August 25. All performances will take place at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago St., Jonesville. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, visit www.thesauk.org or call 517-849-9100.

The production is sponsored by Hillsdale Hospital. Season sponsors include Joyous Journey Photography, WCSR Radio Hillsdale, The Dale 99.5 FM, McGraw Publications and Simply Hers Magazine. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Please note this production contains strong adult language and discussions of suicide. All audience members may not find these moments comfortable.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: 'Lifespan of a Fact' comes to The Sauk