“God
of Carnage” features a meeting between parents of two 11-year-old boys after an
argument leaves one boy injured. As the evening goes on, the parents’ polite
sophistication devolves into rancorous childishness, with unexpectedly
hilarious results. The production comes with a warning to audiences that topics
of sexism, racial prejudice and homophobia are presented.
The
international award-winning play is based on an original French play by Yasmina
Reza, translated to English by Christopher Hampton. The Dunes Summer Theatre
production is set in a northern suburb of Chicago. Steve Scott, DST Artistic
Director, said the play is a delightfully comic balance of light and dark,
rational and irrational.
“Anyone
who’s ever been a parent or a child will find the plot all too relatable,
especially in these fractious times,” Scott said. “Reza’s play suggests that
our civilized trappings often barely hide the emotional turmoil that lies just
below the surface. And like all great satirists, she’s able to make us laugh at
our own pretensions and shortcomings while skewering them.”
Cast
members include Daniel Shtivelberg (Allain); Christie Coran (Annette); Mandy
Walsh (Veronique); and Glenn Thompson (Michel). The ensemble is
“extraordinary,” Scott said. “They are among the top professional actors in our
region, and I’m thrilled that we’ll be bringing their considerable talents to
Dunes audiences.”
Susan
Padveen, associate professor and interim chair of the Theatre Department at
Columbia College Chicago, said she is thrilled to be directing “God of Carnage”
for the first time. “I’ve always loved the play and I think it’s even more
timely now than when it was written. It’s a funny, smart play about what
defines a person and a community.”
An
area resident for more than 25 years, Padveen has been involved in numerous
theatre projects, including directing “Other Desert Cities” at DST two years
ago.
Tickets
for “God of Carnage” are now on sale at dunesARTS.org or by calling the box
office at 219-879-7509. Tickets may also be purchased at the door before a
performance. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups of 5 or
more.
Dunes
Summer Theatre is at 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City, IN 46360. Email: dunestheatre@gmail.com
