‘Breaking the Code’ on WSCC stage this weekend.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP – “Breaking the Code,” Hugh Whitemore’s exceptional biographical drama of Alan Turing, the famed English mathematician and computer science pioneer who solved the German Enigma code during World War II, opens at West Shore Community College’s Center Stage Theater on Thursday, March 10.  The production is directed by Michael (Mik) Mikula.

“Breaking the Code” took London and Broadway by storm in this drama about a man who broke too many codes.

Since Turing’s work was classified top secret for years after the war, no one knew how much was owed to him when he was put on trial for breaking another code; the taboo against homosexuality.

Turing, who was also the first to conceive of computers, was convicted of the criminal act of homosexuality and sentenced to undergo hormone treatments which left him physically and mentally debilitated. He died by suicide, forgotten and alone. This play is about who he was, what happened to him and why.

On Thursday, March 10, as a special introduction to the opening of “Breaking the Code,” three West Shore professors will deliver a panel presentation of some of the historical, ethical, and cryptographic dimensions of the play.

Mike Nagle, professor of history and political science, John Wolff, professor of humanities, and Dr. Matt Sanderson, professor of philosophy and ethics, all have significant professional expertise they will share to help orient the audience to key features of the play.

Their 45-minute discussion will be presented at 6:30 p.m. in room 364 just down the hall from the theater.  Light refreshments will be provided.

Following each production, there will also be a question and answer session giving the audience a chance to speak with the cast and director.

A follow up lecture to the play, “The Triumph and Tragedy of LGBT History,” will be presented on Monday, March 21, at 7 p.m. in the Center Stage Theater.

The presenter, Dr. Colin Johnson of Indiana University, will contextualize Alan Turing’s life within LGBT history for the purpose of prompting those who attend the lecture to, according to Johnson, “reflect thoughtfully about what it is that we want or need from the study of LGBT history, and what we owe it in return.”

The production will be presented on March 10-12, at 7:30 p.m., and Sun., March 13, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available online at www.westshore.edu or the WSCC Box Office by calling 843-5507 or by emailingcaclerk@westshore.edu