DOWAGIAC — The Beckwith Theatre is asking the public to consider what makes a hero.

The Beckwith Theatre, 100 New York Ave., Dowagiac, is set to host a staged reading of “Heroes” by Gerald Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard. The reading, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, for a one night-only performance, is free for the public to attend. Show runners are encouraging people to reserve seats by calling (269) 782-7653.

An opening night wine reception will be sponsored by Hickory Creek Winery.

The staged reading is taking the place of “The Sisters Rosenweig,” which had to be cancelled for a number of reasons, according to Beckwith officials.

“Heroes” was written in 2003 by Gerald Sibleyras, and translated by Tom Stoppard in 2005. The play, set in 1959 in a French retirement home for World War I veterans, follows three WWI veterans. A large portion of the play takes place outside on a terrace in the garden of a convent hospital where characters Philippe and Henri are hatching a plan to escape.

“It’s a comedy, but it also has its bittersweet moments,” said Director Richard Frantz. “It’s a really interesting play.”

The most striking aspect of the play to Frantz is that it asks readers to evaluate what or who they consider to be a hero.

“For me, to be a hero requires a great deal of sacrifice,” he said. “That is something I feel a lot of people have forgotten.”

For Frantz, there is one person who immediately comes to his mind as an example of a hero: the recently deceased Sen. John McCain.

“[McCain was] someone who was not only brave, but who fought the good fight,” Frantz said. “I am a liberal, but Mr. McCain demonstrated the kind of heroism all Americans should be cognizant of.”

Unlike a traditional play, during the Sept. 14 performance, the actors will primarily be reading the lines of the play on stage, with minimal blocking and action. Though the format is less typical than a traditional play, Frantz said it is something more people should experience.

“If you’ve ever been to a reading, you know why people come,” he said. “Readings are always a lot of fun. People get to use their imaginations more. They get to imagine how things would look, who would play the parts in their imaginations. It’s a great experience.”

Frantz said he hopes the public will turn out for the reading, not only so they can experience a staged reading, but also so they can view new material.

“I think this is a play most people probably haven’t heard of before,” he said. “This is a great way to expose yourself to something new.”