The Poisoner

The Poisoner — a neo-noir thriller inspired by the Flint water crisis — brings its acclaimed 7-city national tour to De Pere this October. Premiered at New York’s acclaimed La MaMa Experimental Theatre in 2024, The Poisoner is written by first-time playwright M. M. Haney and directed and developed by two-time Obie Award-winning director Lee Sunday Evans, portrays one journalist’s shocking discovery of water contamination in his hometown and its personal and political fallout. Only 3 shows! October 15, 16 and 17! Students with a valid ID can get $5 off by using the code STUDENT. SYNOPSIS A universal tale, The Poisoner is an unraveling of the deception, abuse of power, and utter negligence of early 2000’s Midwestern water politics. In a neo-noir thriller driven by a determined journalist who returns to his hometown and uncovers more than he bargained for, The Poisoner invites you to question, are we ever safe? The Poisoner is a fictional work inspired by the Flint water crisis of 2014 that aims to engage audiences to amplify awareness about the persistent challenges faced in Flint, Jackson, Newark, and other communities grappling with similar crises. The Poisoner spotlights the critical need for accountability and vigilance in public health and safety decision-making, to ensure that such a grievous mistake is never repeated. The play is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of activism; it celebrates the relentless efforts of journalists, artists, and activists who have tirelessly worked to give voice to those in their fight for justice and change. This production is stop 5 of our 7-city tour. To learn more and see all of our locations, visit us online. COMMUNITY TALKBACKS Following our Thursday, October 15th performance, we will have a talkback with Jayne Black, Wisconsin Field Organizer with Moms Clean Air Force to discuss the community efforts fight unchecked data center proposals in Northeast Wisconson. Following our Friday, October 16th performance, we will have a taclkback with Laura Springer, Executive Director of Clean Water Action Council to discuss the problems of PFAS in our drinking water.