The Women of Lockerbie: opening night success

“Hatred Will Not Have the Last Word in Lockerbie.” – Olive Allison, a Woman of Lockerbie

History behind the story

On December 21, 1988, a Pan Am airplane holding over 250 people was bombed as an act of terrorism on America. The explosion occurred while Flight 103 was in the air over the country of Scotland. Everyone on the plane was killed, and the town of Lockerbie, Scotland found themselves in the middle of the horror as falling, flaming debris came from the plane. The burning debris caused fires all over the countryside, and the plane hit a Scottish couple’s home, killing the couple as well as several of their neighbors. The death count quickly soared to 290 that day.

Out of this tragic event came the strong women of Lockerbie who took it upon themselves to help the families of the victims through what became known as “The Laundry Project.” This was a project to wash the remaining articles of clothing from those killed in the bombing and distribute these articles to the families who lost loved ones in the terrorist attack. The idea was to show support to the grieving families and allow them some semblance of closure, which the play focuses on.

Synopsis

When Mr. and Mrs. Livingston (the parents of a victim of the plane bombing) visit the hills of Lockerbie where Pan Am 103 went down, it is clear even after seven years they are still grieving. The couple is still seeking closure for the death of their son, as his remains and things were never found among the wreckage. The women who live in Lockerbie are quick to comfort the Livingstons and attempt to support the victim’s families. A great number of articles of clothing from the victims remained, and the women go against the U.S. government’s regulations to take these clothes, wash them, and return the clothing of the victims to the families as an act of care and support. Instead of combating an action done out of hate with hate, the women are intent on showing love amid such terrible hurt. As the character of Olive Allison says, “Hatred will not have the last word in Lockerbie.”

Opening night

While the play covers a heavy subject matter, it was the message of love trumping the act of hate that moved many of its opening night audience members to tears. The play left the audience with a considerable number of lessons and themes to ponder, but ultimately ended with a sense of hope and restoration. The themes of grief, love, hope, and advancement of life even after tragedies occur were well developed in the script and in the actors’ portrayals of the characters.

Actors were given a standing ovation by the filled theater at the end of the night. The audience seemed pleased, as well as moved, by the performance. It was successful opening night for this group of Regent performers, and they pulled the show off without a hitch!

Don’t miss out!

With seven more showings it is a must see! The show is performed in the Studio Theater (to the right of the Main Theater).

Upcoming show times are:

  • Saturday, Feb. 17 @ 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 18 @ 2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 23 @ 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 @2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 25 @2:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, you can visit the Regent University box office in the Communications Building (Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m.) or go online. Tickets are $10 with a Regent student ID, but ask the box office about ushering opportunities if you are looking for an even cheaper ticket!



Emily Nevala is a contributor to The Daily Runner.