After successful runs of “The Cherry Orchard,” “Standing On My Knees” and “Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You,” the Drake University Theatre Arts Department will soon be presenting “The Glory of Living” as its last production of the spring semester.

“Glory” was written by celebrated playwright Rebecca Gilman and is being directed by Deena Conley, Drake associate professor of acting, directing and history. The play follows the exploits of a couple as they abuse and murder a series of individuals they pick up on the road. The word ‘glory’ in the title is starkly ironic because unlike many other works of crime fiction, this play deliberately avoids glorifying the idea of violence.

“I found the characters in this play to be very interesting. I think the idea of people living, off-the-grid is fascinating and one we as society don’t think about until it’s a story on the nightly news,” Conley said.

“The Glory of Living” was a 2002 finalist for Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It has impressed many critics for its matter-of-fact take on the workings of a criminal mind, and is definitely a must-see for those who are interested in a more naturalistic take on the serial killer genre.

“The Glory of Living” opens Thursday and will run until May 1 in the basement Studio 55 Theatre in the Harmon Fine Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at the FAC box office or can be reserved by calling 515-271-3841.

All reserved tickets must be picked up before 7:30 p.m. the night of the performance