Thrilled to See the Academy of Players @FairfieldU Back on Stage with GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Rez in the Wien Experimental Theater

You have to give it up to Dr. Michelle Farrell who is one of the few that can get me out to a social event and convince me to attend an experience rather than sitting at home writing, reading, or planning. Last night, I had the joy of seeing colleagues Drs. Dennis Keenan, Nels Pearson, Jerelyn Johnson, and Sonya Huber bringing marital/parental angst to the stage as they brought forth the 2009 play, God of Carnage. It's fantastic to see the  scholars and writers take on new personas as they depict individuals very unlike themselves. 

Vomit. Hamsters. Tulips. What brings forth humanity any better?

And kids. They ruin everything. Why would anyone have them, especially when they knock out one another's two teeth over 12-year old playground war? Behind every layered youth-gang shenanigan are parents covering up their own shortcomings, pretentiousness, masks, and layered personality traits. 

The script (and the acting) -- absolutely brilliant. The staging superb. Keeping up appearances is the act of adulthood and marriage, at times, is a sham, especially after rum is served. Workaholics, vain wives, and the competitive nature of careers with Western jobs in a world of barbaric civil wars of 3rd world culture and the one-upmanship of art, decorations, fashion, and morality.

The result? The facade is only a veil to cover true intentions. It's a complicated game...these stories we tell ourselves. 

Kudos to all on stage and behind the scenes for bringing a brilliant script to the Fairfield University campus and giving so many of us the opportunity for theatrical play and questioning. What does it all mean in the end...these illusions we let ourselves believe?

The Academy of Players is a tradition I cherish and I hope one that continues. 

Ah, but's it's Sunday and time for my own cover-up of having it all together. More work needs to be done and a night off, means a scramble to get back on track.

Congratulations to the performers and stage crew. All involved should be proud their hard work and dedication. It paid off.