The Oakland Post
Section B
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
OU Grad Journeys with Old, Lost Spirit
by Erin Mallard
The Oakland Post
Linda Alice Dewey, a 1971 graduate at OU, has an amazing story to tell.
Her self-published book, "Aaron's Crossing," documents her experiences with the lost spirit, or ghost, of Aaron Burke. Dewey and Burke journey together to reunite him with his loved ones in the book, which was based on a real experience, Dewey said.
Dewey's background in music, -theatre and teaching, as well as her ability to communicate with the spiritual world, has helped her to present this story in an innovative way.
To help spark interest for "Aaron's Crossing" in her community, Dewey presented the book in "reader's theater," a technique she learned as a remedial reading teacher, similar to a musical workshop or studio production.
"When you self-publish, you have to find a way to market yourself ... that is going to be absolutely thrilling to yourself and everyone else," Dewey said of the "reader's theater."
The concept involves actors, without costumes or props, reading the book to an audience. The characters involved in each scene face the audience, while other characters have their backs turned to the audience.
The cast includes seven actors, who perform in two acts that include instrumental and choral pieces composed by the author.
"You learn a lot about yourself and what's important in your life as you read the play," said Tina Taghon, who plays the part of Burke's wife. "It's not just a ghost story ... it's more of a personal experience. It's more than just a crossing-over experience."
Dewey describes "Aaron's Crossing" as a story about assessing your strengths and abilities, while discovering one's purpose in life. "You pull together everything that you have, (and ask) what are the qualities that I have that I can build on?" Dewey said.
Although the story of Burke's life includes several heartbreaking scenes, the descriptions of which leave the author with glistening eyes, the ending is ultimately a happy one. "Everything needs to have a happy ending," Dewey said. "The ending might not appear to be happy here, but it's not over."
Dewey feels that "the Aaron Project" as she has come to call the many artistic endeavors related to the story of Aaron Burke, draws on many of her abilities and life experiences, including her education from OU.
Dewey graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education. She spent only one year at OU, but she said her experience "opened me up ... I had space at Oakland to blossom."
Dewey remembers her professors as appreciators of individual talent, who gave her many opportunities. "It is a wonderful experience to be a music student at Oakland University," Dewey said.
In addition to writing books and screenplays, Dewey is a pointer, a jazz and blues performer, and writes radio jingles.
"Aaron's Crossing" will be available in July in bookstores and amazon.com.
