Hear from University of Michigan-in-Washington students who attended the April workshop reading of WHO CARES:

Charlotte E.C:  "After attending the April 8th workshop reading of Who Cares, I was left incredibly touched by the audience response to the performance and how the show has truly transformed from the original interview transcripts we read, to Workshop #1 (in February), to the viewing we saw last night. First and foremost, to update those who did not attend, a brief segment was added where the characters each shared something they were grateful for throughout their care giving journeys. This functioned to further humanize each person, intersecting the feelings of guilt and grief with those of gratitude. This shared experience was felt throughout the room, with many people tearing from the sentiment altogether.

An older man shared how informative and educational he found the show and its intricacies to be. A young girl cried in the back as she explained how much she needed to see a piece of art like this. Dina mentioned an anecdote about her grandmother, and the guilt she has, as she's contributed to a situation wherein her mother has to sacrifice to care for her.

A woman spoke up, choking through tears, saying how deeply this resonated with her, considering her mother took care of her even though her mother was in excruciating pain of her own. The elderly woman next to her, presumably a stranger, grabbed her hand. To me, this is the most impactful moment I've witnessed in the theater thus far...

It functioned as a call to action to make that process easier for loved ones coming to terms with an impending death. An audience member said something close to: “This is the kind of art I like; the kind of art that provokes me. I am leaving here with an urge to do something; to change something; maybe to protest; or maybe to just hug someone. That’s what art should do.”

Dina Z.T:  "Last week I had the privilege of listening to other people’s stories about the nature of care. From the laughter and tears expressed by the audience, it was a noteworthy experience. This play grasped a seemingly simple topic and expanded it in such a way that almost everyone in that tiny church basement felt a connection to one another. The script has transformed from the first reading in a way that demanded my attention instead of losing it. The latest updates to the script not only made the characters more relatable and realistic, it also led me to feel an attachment to each character. Considering some characters reminded me of my familial situation, I felt my experiences mirrored what Paul and Lori felt for their family members. 

I think this play serves as a means to reach out to others in a way that humanizes us all. It's a reminder that amidst the complexities of life, we all share common threads of love, loss, and the not-always innate desire to care for one another. I also appreciated how each character spoke about... how each of their family members were beautiful in their own way. It’s a good contrast from the previous draft which emphasized how much of a burden it is to care for another person. And I know the women sitting left of me saw what I from the way she cried, and laughed with her whole body. I remember the way she spoke of how her sick mother traveled to take care of her despite her illness.

I believe the personal and momentous decision each individual made to share their story is making a bigger impact than I could’ve imagined. The applause followed by silence is evidence of stirring emotions and sparking meaningful reflections within the audience. All in all, I cannot wait to see how Who Cares evolves through revision and thought-provoking discussion."

Shuyan T:  "I was fascinated by the play's exploration of creativity and its intersections with caring for elderly loved ones who were grappling with the challenges of aging and dementia. I recalled Scene VI demonstrating how creativity became a coping mechanism in the face of adversity and a means of both personal expression and a tool for making sense of life's challenges. Jim's stand-up routines about his experiences with his mother were a compelling example... blending humor, heartache, and hope together.

The ending of the play is also a deeply moving culmination of the characters' journeys... Through its authenticity and portrayal of familial bonds, Who Cares leaves a lasting impact on audiences by reminding them of the profound beauty and fragility of life."