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LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas William Inge Memorial Theatre Series will present the contemporary drama "The Dying Gaul" at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, through Saturday, Feb. 15, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, in the Inge Theatre in Murphy Hall.
Jennifer Fletcher, Topeka graduate student in theatre, is directing Craig Lucas' new play, which she describes as "a modern American tragedy revealing some interesting things about the human inclination to trust and to deceive."
Set in Los Angeles, "The Dying Gaul" centers around Robert, a struggling playwright who recently has lost his lover after a long and grueling battle with AIDS. When Robert writes a screenplay about his experiences, a movie mogul agrees to turn the screenplay into a movie, but only if one of the main characters is changed into a female, making it a heterosexual romance.
Robert not only gives in, betraying himself and his beliefs but also has an affair with the married executive. When the executive's wife finds out about the affair, she begins to find out more about Robert. She begins talking with him in an online chat room, where she eventually poses as his dead lover.
"Relationships become entangled and tension builds throughout the play as the characters come to terms with their inner demons," Fletcher said.
"The Dying Gaul," which is the name of Robert's screenplay, refers to the Greek statue of a vanquished soldier found at Pergamum. Robert explains that he sees it as having special meaning to the many gay men who have died in their youth.
"But it also may be a reference to Robert being asked to 'vanquish' his gay characters and compromising his core beliefs about the screenplay," Fletcher said.
The four-character drama has a dark, complicated plot and is being staged with a minimalist set.
In describing the various layers in the play, the young director cited the playwright's comments about the drama:
"Where did so many of us learn to believe that the victims of terrible loss are ennobled by their suffering? My lover, my best friend, my mother, my father-in-law and another several dozen friends, ex-lovers and colleagues all died rather horrible deaths in rapid succession, and I did not find myself ascending into a compassionate place but instead a significantly meaner and less generous one."
Fletcher received a bachelor's degree in theatre from Sterling College in 1993. Her directing credits include "The Sure Thing" and "Beau Jest," both at Theatre Atchison; "Prelude to a Kiss" at Sterling College; and "The Bear" last year at KU. She also has choreographed several productions at River City Community Players in Leavenworth and has appeared in "The Sandbox" and the Kansas Summer Theatre's 2002 production of "Prairie Fire." In addition to being a graduate student, Fletcher is the education director at Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy, where she recently finished directing a youth theatre production of "Annie."
General admission tickets for the KU production are on sale through the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, (785) 864-3982; Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS; SUA, (785) 864-7469; and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets cost $12 for the public, $6 for all students and $11 for senior citizens.
Members of the cast for "The Dying Gaul" include (listed by name, year in school, parents' names and role):
DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Evan C. Grosshans, junior, son of Kip and Kay Grosshans; Foss.
FORD COUNTY
From Dodge City
Phillip Vocasek, senior, son of Fred Vocasek and Leona Vocasek; Jeffrey.
MISSOURI
From St. Louis
Adrienne Lamping, senior, daughter of Libby Beck and Dan Lamping; Elaine.
OKLAHOMA
From Tulsa
Matt Greer, junior, son of Michael and Becky Greer; Robert.
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