The Shape of Things by Neil Labute
Lone Star College–Montgomery
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate publication (1/4/06)
Contact: Steve Scheffler, (936) 273-7224 Amy Cooper, (936) 273-7021
Lone Star College–Montgomery bends the rules with The Shape of Things by Neil Labute (Mature Audiences Only Contains adult language and adult situations)
Lone Star College–Montgomery Actors Workshop presents The Shape of Things by Neil Labute produced through special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing. This performance is the second production of the Actors Workshop series offered in the Performing Arts Lab (T101). The Shape of Things begins February 22nd at 2:30 p.m. February 23-24th at 7:30 p.m. and February 25th at 2:00 p.m. The workshop is a “pay what you will” event meaning our audience members may contribute any donation amount to the theatre department. All “pay what you will” contributions will support the theatre department and our theatre season. The first night of each theatre performance is scholarship night for theatre students at Lone Star College–Montgomery.
The Shape of Things is a modern version of Adam’s seduction by Eve. The play pits gentle, awkward, overweight Adam against experienced, analytical, amoral Evelyn, a graduate student in art. After a chance meeting at a museum, Evelyn and Adam embark on an intense relationship that causes shy and principled Adam to go to extraordinarily lengths, including cosmetic surgery, and a betrayal of his best friend, to improve his appearance and character. Labute’s work is an intense and disturbing study not only of the uses of power within human relationships, but also of the ethics involved in the relationship of art and life.
Chase Waites, assistant professor of drama emphasizes the importance of exposing students to a variety of playwrights. “New and relevant playwrights broaden their knowledge base of dramatic literature. Neil Labute is an important contemporary playwright. He is a master of taking an ordinary, even placid situation then yanking the rug out from under it and revealing the dark side of human nature.” The Shape of Things is a brutally honest look at how far we might be willing to go to prove a point. By examining the question, ‘what is art?’ This play pushes all boundaries of commonsense and common decency.”
The Actors Workshop series are specialized for the Performing Arts lab at the college. ”The students in the actor workshop series minimize the peripherals and concentrate on character development. They are forced to rely on themselves and their training, rather than detailed sets, costumes, and stage props.
The Shape of Things runs February 22nd at 2:30 p.m., February 23-24th at 7:30 p.m. and February 25th at 2:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Lab (Building T101). We invite our campus and community to take advantage of the “pay what you will” contribution to our theatre department. For additional information regarding the production or location contact Amy Cooper (936) 273-7021.
(Mature Audiences Only - Contains adult language and adult situations)
Lone Star College–Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000.
Lone Star College System, among the five largest and fastest-growing community colleges in Texas, comprises Lone Star College-North Harris, Lone Star College-Kingwood, Lone Star College–Tomball, Lone Star College–Montgomery, Lone Star College–CyFair, seven satellite centers and The University Center.
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