Nancy Shank is an emerging playwright living in Lincoln, Nebraska. As a high schooler, Nancy was bitten by the theatre bug when, from the last row of the highest balcony, she saw A Chorus Line on Broadway. She is thrilled to move from the audience to backstage with production of her first play, This Mortal Life Also, on March 17-20, 2022 by the Angels Theatre Company and the Lied Center for Performing Arts (Lincoln, NE). This Mortal Life Also tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the 20th century’s most renowned theologians, who opposed National Socialism and became in the plot to assassinate Hitler. Nancy’s work explores personal integrity and the search for meaning during times of societal upheaval.

Nancy is co-host of the Front Porch Book Club podcast (https://frontporchbookclub.com) and is at work on a contemporary novel based in the United States that explores notions of community. She is also, inevitably writing another play.

Nancy spent nearly 30 years in academia where she was an administrator and researcher supporting the public policy aims of national, state, and local organizations. Her research interests included community development, information technology, and water resources. She has published numerous scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. Nancy earned a PhD in Human Sciences and an MBA from the University of Nebraska (Lincoln, NE), and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, PA).

Nancy is a member of: Dramatists Guild (New York, NY), New Play Exchange, Playwrights’ Center (Minneapolis, MN), and Playwrights Collective (Lincoln, NE).

Find Nancy at https://nancyshank.com

How did you get interested in writing a play about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

This is your first play! How has it been going from an idea in your head to an upcoming production?

What do you hope people will come away from your play thinking or feeling?

What upcoming projects are on the horizon for you?

Where can people stay in touch with you?

Name: Nancy Shank

Email: nancycshank@gmail.com

Instagram: @Nancy_C_Shank

Website: https://nancyshank.com

 

This Mortal Life Also brings to the stage the true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the 20^th century’s most renowned theologians, who opposes the rise of National Socialism. As Germany prepares for war, Bonhoeffer’s refusal to pledge loyalty to National Socialism casts him into the conspiracy against Hitler. He wrestles with questions of faith, integrity, and meaning, while hoping to win the love of a beautiful young heiress. Based on the true story of pastor and scholar Dietrich Bonhoeffer, This Mortal Life Also is a heartbreaking, funny, and smart exploration of morality, faith, and sacrifice.

This Mortal Life Also examines Bonhoeffer’s struggle during the ascendancy of an authoritarian regime. The questions Bonhoeffer asks himself and his actions provide a tableau for self-examination of modern audiences. It was not very many years ago, during the late 20th century, when most scholars were predicting the extinction of fascist states. But the 21st century has seen an unprecedented return to authoritarian forms throughout the world. In dramatizing Bonhoeffer’s decision to take action, the play confronts audiences with the question of how to reconcile principles of love and peace with political movements bent on the destruction of personal freedoms and dignity. Ultimately, each of us must ask ourselves how we resist small and large aggressions that deny others’ humanity. Bonhoeffer shows us how one man walked that journey.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts (Lincoln, NE) and Angels Theatre Company premiere this work by Lincoln playwright Nancy Shank at the Lied’s Johnny Carson Theatre March 17-20, 2022. 

Designed by: Mackenzie Davenport/Angels Theatre Company

Courtesy: Angels Theatre Company

 

Designed by: Mackenzie Davenport/Angels Theatre Company

Courtesy: Angels Theatre Company

“I can… say with utter confidence that this is the best play that I have seen yet this season, and that it was both beautifully written and performed.” Sam Pynes (Appearing Locally)

“This play explores the dichotomy of Bonhoeffer’s desire to live a holy life with his active involvement in the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. Bonhoeffer knows his participation in the resistance as a double agent may not only be deadly, but perhaps more important to Bonhoeffer, will render him unfit (in his own mind) to serve the church that he loves.  But he does it anyway.  He sacrifices himself, body and soul, from a sense of deep integrity and purpose.” Timothy W Scholl (director/producer).