BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Lake Michigan College theatre department will present its fall production, “Galileo,” opening Friday, Nov. 7 in the Hanson Theatre, Mendel Center for Arts and Technology under the direction of Dr. Calvin A. McClinton.

Considered by many to be one of Bertolt Brecht’s masterpieces, Galileo, played by Robert Foster of St. Joseph, explores the question of a scientist’s social and ethical responsibility, as the brilliant Galileo must choose between his life and his life’s work when confronted with the demands of the Inquisition.

Through the dramatic characterization of the famous physicist, Brecht examines the issues of scientific morality and the difficult relationship between the intellectual and authority. This version of the play is the famous one that was brought to completion by Brecht himself, working with Charles Laughton, who played Galileo in the first two American productions (Hollywood and New York, 1947). Since then, the play has become a classic in the world repertoire.

The theatre department has been collaborating with the math and science departments of LMC to bring this interesting historical figure to life.

According to McClinton, “although Galileo is not a children’s play, it would be an excellent opportunity to introduce middle and high school students to astronomy and cosmology in an entertaining fashion, as well as experiencing the hardships and the burden of truth that scientists have dealt with over the course of history, through the life of Galileo.

Performance dates are Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees beginning at 3 p.m. Nov. 9 and 16. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221 or online at www.lmcmainstage.org/fine-and-performing-arts-series. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 2-6 p.m.

All performances take place at the Napier Avenue Campus located at 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan. For further information, please call the Performing Arts Department (269) 927-8876.