Exploring The Dark Side

Controversially focused on the dark side of humanity, playwright, director and screenwriter Neil LaBute is really not such a bad guy. In fact, he’s quite gracious. Who knew that a considerate man could create such sardonic characters as Howard and Chad in his first film, In The Company of Men? Or better yet, the sociopath, Evelyn, in his play and film, The Shape Of Things.

Often mislabeled as a misogynist – or worse – because of the highly flawed, often evil characters he creates and the taboo topics about which he comfortably writes, LaBute merely wants to engage and entertain his audience. LaBute says he wants to tell a story that interests him as much in the telling as in the watching. If he makes us think, then cool for us.

“First, I would probably place men at the bottom of the food chain. On a grander scale, I would say they’re reacting to change. Feminism has got to be part of that,” LaBute said.

Some people love his work. Others hate it. Perhaps LaBute’s work offends because his characters can hit too close to home. Or, maybe it’s because he forces us to face our dark side, which render us squeamish. According to LaBute, we all have the ability to be manipulative, hateful and deceitful.

Arizona Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.), the non-profit theatre company that showcases University of Arizona students who are being classically trained in acting and musical theatre, will be performing LaBute’s The Shape Of Things during February. A.R.T. puts out six major theatrical productions a year.

The Shape Of Things is a contemporary story with raw, gritty language and dark adult themes. It’s no Glass Menagerie or Oklahoma. The play questions the nature of art, intimacy and psychopathy. It is meant for the socially thoughtful and aware, but not the faint of heart. The Shape Of Things explores love and what we are willing to do for it. It is set in a small university town in Midwest America, focusing on the lives of four young students who become romantically and emotionally tangled with one another.

When Adam, an English major, meets Evelyn, an attractive art grad student, at the local museum where he works, his life takes a pivotal turn. Adam never had success with women before, so he is flattered when Evelyn takes an interest in him. Evelyn then begins her insidious manipulation, and influences Adam into changing bits of his life – for what seems to be for the better, at first – getting Adam to exercise, eat healthier, lose weight and ditch his glasses for contacts. Eventually, plastic surgery is suggested, and even an ultimatum about with whom Adam can share his life.

Though focused on the horrifying dark side of humanity and owning a company called Contemptible Entertainment, LaBute is actually a gracious and classy individual. It’s his honesty that likely scares or intimidates people, as he believes that we humans are “a fairly barbarous bunch.”

Neil LaBute’s The Shape Of Things, directed by Cathy Hartenstein, takes the stage at A.R.T.’s Marroney Theatre on the UA campus, Feb 6–27. Tickets available by phone: 621-1162 or online: arizona.tix.com. Senior, military and student discounts available. Adult language and themes. Lisa Pierce is the Director of Marketing & Development for the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television.