Southeastern Theatre presents “Fat Pig”
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University's theatre program will present the award-winning play "Fat Pig" by Neil LaBute at the Vonnie Borden Theatre in D Vickers Hall Nov. 18 – 21.
General admission tickets are $10; $5 for Southeastern faculty and staff, seniors, and non-Southeastern students; Southeastern students are admitted free with ID.
"Fat Pig" centers on the character Tom, a typical young professional who becomes involved in a relationship with a plus-sized librarian, Helen. Tom is conflicted with the realization that his work associate, Carter, is highly insulting about the relationship due to Helen's weight and appearance. The play follows the journey of their relationship through a poignant, and eye opening production that hits on the topics of outside influence on a person's every decision. LaBute plays to the human tendency to choose beauty over substance.
"Fat Pig" premiered off-Broadway in 2004. Hailed as a provocative comedy that makes the audience think, in 2005 the play received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play and was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
"Fat Pig is the kind of story you might overhear someone gossiping about in Starbucks or your friend telling you about it one day over lunch," said director Veronica Gutierrez of New Orleans, a senior majoring in general studies with a concentration in theater. "The play is true to how beauty standards for women today can be ridiculous. LaBute's play demonstrates how men are often pressured to make a 'smart choice' about a woman rather than a choice that is best for them," she continued.
Gutierrez said audiences can expect to be moved by the piece.
"'Fat Pig' is so much more than a play," she added. "It is a piece of art that frames the harsh reality of modern society. Tom finds himself drawn to an incredible woman until his coworkers quickly extinguish his light."
"The most beautiful aspect of a play like 'Fat Pig' is there is something for everyone," she said. "There will be laughter, awkwardness, moments of pure happiness, lust, hatred, resentment, and possibly even a tear or two. Watching the actors breathe life into a script that means so much, not only to me but hopefully for anyone who sees it, has been a thrill."
The cast includes Lydia Caballero of Slidell in her Southeastern Theatre debut as Helen, Trey Tycer of Slidell as Tom, Jaimee Rome of Abita Springs as Carter, and Kayla Hill of Walker as Jeannie.
Along with Gutierrez, the design/production team includes Kelsey Hymel, Biloxi, assistant director; Katy Truluck, Denham Springs, stage manager; Chelsey Davis, Crown Point, assistant stage manager; Anthony Gary, Paulina, costume and makeup design; Matthew Green, Mandeville, scenic design; Taylor Michel, LaPlace, propmaster; MJ Ricks, Lacombe, lighting design; and Matthew Doyle, Covington, sound design.
For more information on "Fat Pig," call 985-549-2115.
