Story telling at its finest in two one-act plays
on campus at Saint Martin’s University
Oct. 12, 2006
Lacey – Two one-act plays reveal what lies beneath
the orderly surface of some people’s lives. Curtain rises at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 15-18 for The Zoo Story, written by Edward Albee, and WASP,
written by Steve Martin. The venue will be the university’s
Kreielsheimer Arts Building, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE.
In The Zoo Story, directed by SMU student
Beth McCoy, a neat, well-to-do man sits peacefully reading in the
sunlight in Central Park. Jerry, a young and unkempt vagrant approaches
him. With provocative humor and unrelenting suspense, the young vagrant
slowly, but relentlessly, brings his victim down to his own atavistic
level as he relates a story about his visit to the zoo.
“Sometimes it’s necessary to go a long distance out
of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly” -- The
Zoo Story
“As Jerry tells his story, The Zoo Story
draws in the audience in way that’s unusual in the modern theater,” says
SMU student Director Beth McCoy. “The plot is both subtle and
suspenseful – as Jerry has to keep Peter’s interest. Ultimately, his
tale of unrequited love is shocking, amazing, tragic – but, in order to
tell it, he has to win us over.”
WASP sends up the 1950s suburban family. Mom
is surrounded by people, but deeply alone; dad speaks in bizarre
platitudes; and the children fear anything new. The play vibrates with
satire and dark lyrical irony as the family meanders blindly toward
catastrophe.
"WASP is the American Dream, but the people
having the dream are going completely crazy and keep trying to wake up,"
observes SMU student Director Christian Pearson. “The play is like Leave
It to Beaver . . . on crack," says Pearson.
Admission is $10, $6 for students and seniors, at
the door. The Nov. 16 is a pay-what-you-will performance; arrive early
as these seats go quickly. For more information, please contact David
Hlavsa, chair of the department of theatre arts, 360-438-4345;
dhlavsa@stmartin.edu.
For more information:
David Hlavsa
Associate professor, theatre arts
360-438-4345; dhlavsa@stmartin.edu