YLT Presents THE SHAPE OF THINGS

The Shape of Things, tells of a shy college student named Adam, who falls in love with an outgoing and beautiful graduate student in art, named Evelyn. Both funny and intense, it is a disturbing study of the uses of power within relationships and the ethics involved in the relationship between art and life. To what extent is an artist licensed to shape and change her medium or to alter the work of another artist? Ultimately where is the line between art and morality?

Although The Shape of Things is fairly well-known in the theater world, it is far from a household name. Written in 2001 by American author and film director Neil LaBute, YLT's production is directed by Aaron Dalton. "This is a dark comedy that deals with some unseemly aspects of life," explains Dalton. "I enjoy directing these kinds of plays-where the final act is the discussion among audience members in the car driving home. This is not a show where everything is wrapped up neatly at the end."

The show which is set on a college campus in Anytown, USA, is staged simply in YLT's Black Box Studio. "The brilliance of the play is in the dialogue," explains Dalton, "even though it deals with uncomfortable issues, it is quite witty, and executed beautifully by this ensemble cast of four." Gentle, awkward, overweight Adam is played by Robert W. Oppel. He is pitted against experienced, analytical, amoral Evelyn, played by Blythe Hart. Their intense relationship also involves two other characters: Jenny, played by Tammy Crisp, and Philip, played by Andrew Matseur.

The Shape of Things challenges society's most deeply entrenched ideas about art, manipulation, and love. "I am drawn to plays that stir the audience's emotions and leave people talking," says Dalton, "and this play with definitely do that."

Performances are on January 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30; January 16 and 23 at 3:00. Tickets are $10 -22 and group discounts are offered. More information and tickets are available by calling the box office at 717-854-5715, 11 - 6, Monday through Friday, or visiting www.ylt.org. The Shape of Things is sponsored by CGA Law Firm. Impromptu discussions may follow some of the performances depending on interest and the make up of the audience.

York Little Theatre, now enjoying its 78th season of shows, is a nonprofit community theatre which values and nurtures the irreplaceable role of the arts and is dedicated to engaging and enriching its entire, diverse community in the dramatic arts through a broad range of professionally directed, entertaining, stimulating, and sometimes provocative performances.

York Little Theatre is located at 27 South Belmont Street, York PA, just south of Market Street at the intersection of I83. York Little Theatre is a proud member of The Cultural Alliance of York.

 

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