University Players presents Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Crimes of the Heart, November 17 to 20 and 23 to 27, at Essex Hall Theatre.

Director Liza Balkan calls Crimes of the Heart a deeply touching and funny play about three sisters from a small Southern town, reunited after the youngest sister has shot her husband. Over the next 24 hours, the sisters come together in support as they struggle through their relationships with the men in their lives, and attempt to save their reputation by overcoming their family’s painful past.

“This play is one that I have always enjoyed, but it took diving into it for this production to fully discover how brilliant and relevant it truly is,” Balkan says. “The writing is astonishing. Henley’s insight into family – and the love, longing, heartache, baggage, resentment, joys and humour that go with it – is extraordinary.”

Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. This Sunday, November 20, a “Talk Back” discussion with the director and actors will follow the performance. For information or tickets, call 519-253-3000, ext. 2808 or visit www.UniversityPlayers.com.