Performances of Dead and Breathing run through Nov. 23; an official opening night is set for Nov. 5.  

Here's how the play is billed: "Cranky old Carolyn Whitlock has been in hospice for far too long and just wants to die. When she tries to convince a loud, oversharing, and very Christian nurse to assist her suicide, she has to work harder than she ever has in her privileged life to end it. Through surprising humor and persistent questioning, Dead and Breathing investigates morality, mortality and the intense tug-of-war between the right to die with dignity and the idea of life as a gift."

The 47th season from NBT explores the timely theme of "The Policing of the Black Body."

"From police brutality to health disparities and beyond, the Black Body in this country is in a defining moment," said McCrory in an earlier press statement. "Housed within our community is a diverse array of people under assault. This season's selections are geared toward the reclamation of the Black Body. Join us on the journey to Celebrate, Liberate, and Participate in the building of a new future."

NBT is located at 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NationalBlackTheatre.org.