West of Amchitka
​Lies the End of the World

By J.R. Vikse
​
ISBN-13: 978-1532796470
West of Amchitka Lies the End of the World
"A play worth the time to read and definitely worth the effort to mount. This is a touching family drama told with the backdrop of real events…and a good twist to boot!" - Carl Powell (Amazon Review) * * * * *
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Autumn, 1965. When Anne Thurmin returns home after a break-up, she discovers the US Navy attempting to evacuate her parents from her childhood home - tiny Kiska Island off the coast of Alaska. Naval officers, family members, and environmental activists soon crowd the otherwise deserted island, and while taking a stand against military forces, Anne learns the real reason that her family is being evicted. Forced to confront the truth of her childhood memories, Anne discovers that she has a difficult decision to make: to accept the safety of a sheltered life or to finally grow up.
Details
Cast: 3m, 3f
​- ANNE THURMIN - f, early-twenties. A student who has returned home after a break-up. Early 20s.
- HOWARD THURMIN - m, mid-fifties. A retired History professor who does not want to leave his home. Anne’s father. 

​Length: Approx. 110 min.
- JUDITH THURMIN - f, mid-fifties. A retired nurse who has been having some memory issues lately. Anne’s mother. 
- MICHAEL HARDING: A naval officer tasked with convincing the Thurmins to evacuate Kiska Island so that nuclear testing can begin on nearby Amchitka Island. Late twenties. 
- GREG BURR: An environmental activist, sent by a student organisation to protest. Mid-twenties.
 - YOUNG ANNE: Anne in her younger years. Played at whatever age Anne needs her to be, give or take.
*The writing of this play was commissioned by Langham Court Theatre as a part of their Playwright-in-Residence Program.