This week, No Refund Theatre (NRT) will be dealing with matters of life and death and realizing what's really important when it comes down to it.

W;t, written by Margaret Edson, tells the story of Vivian Bearing, a successful modern-day scholar who specializes in 17th century poetry. The play depicts her battle with terminal ovarian cancer and, eventually, her death.

"Vivian is 50 years old, she's never been married, she has no brothers or sisters and her parents are dead," director Jeanette Schreiber (senior-journalism) said. "She's basically alone in life, and the play is about her coming to the realization that she doesn't have any human relationships, and how she deals with that."

Schreiber said because the main character is a poetry scholar, John Donne's Holy Sonnets are a big part of the play, particularly the poem titled, "Death, Be Not Proud." These works are tied into many questions the play raises about life and death.

"It's really a sad story because Vivian had always been a strong woman who never needed anyone, and when she gets cancer, she desperately needs someone," Schreiber said.

Megan McCloskey (senior-mechanical and nuclear engineering), who plays Vivian, said her character was always in control of her life and respected in her field, though her work consumed her. McCloskey said this all falls apart when Vivian gets cancer and starts examining her life.

"It's a sad story, but it's redeeming to see how she comes to see the importance of humanity," McCloskey said.

Kristin Linker (senior-public relations and women's studies) plays Vivian's primary care nurse, who eventually ends up becoming good friends with her patient.

"It's sad, because it's almost as if Vivian doesn't enjoy life until it's too late and she's missed out on it," Linker said.

Matt Lavin (freshman-premedicine), who has several small roles in the play, added that Vivian realizes there's more to life than academics. Kate Donohue (senior-English), who plays Vivian's college mentor in flashbacks, said she is happy to be performing in W;t, as it is her last NRT play. She said this play will effect the audience both intellectually and emotionally.

"It's not just a story about someone dying. It's about relationships and searching for knowledge," Donohue said. "It's really a beautiful play."

Assistant director Amy Denholtz (junior-public relations and women's studies) said the cast has been working very hard on this production, and sometimes it is hard because of the note on which the play ends.

"This is a very sentimental and moving show," Denholtz said. "One of the reasons is because it hits so close to home because everyone has a cancer story. The way Vivian is able to cope with ovarian cancer through her past experiences and poetry is very inspiring."

NRT will perform W;t tomorrow and Saturday in 111 Forum.