Sometimes, we all feel like we work for the devil. But what if we really did? In Jaime Vasquez's creation, "Living Hell," this nightmare will become reality.
Directed by Bonnie Malczewski, the play will open the door to a world of romance, struggle and sacrifice. This will take shape in an unfeasible context that, in reality, will hit close to home. It is a story that presents the everyday challenges of 20-somethings trying to succeed and find love in an atmosphere that seems to be working against them.
Henry is convinced his boss is the devil because he constantly brings bad luck to others around him. He calls himself a "professional deliverer of misery."
The only solace he finds is in the Ally-McBeal-meets-Kate-Winslet woman he meets on a park bench. Christine, a working girl with a fetish for potato chips, is the only person unaffected by Henry's unintentional, evil aura. Confident, outgoing and good-willed, she acts like an angel, bringing hope and security to his hellish life.
Vasquez, an LSA senior said, "The play's about dealing with being a bad person and trying to negotiate that with real life and with love."
"Living Hell," a romantic comedy set in present-day, urban America, includes "mild profanity, lots of kissing and a guy who takes his shirt off," said Vasquez.
First-year student David Jones and sophomore Bryonie Maros, starring as Henry and Christine, respectively, are accompanied by a drunken bag lady, an omniscient therapist, a compassionate priest and a Pacino-like character named Martin.
"These actors are putting in so much of their own talent," Vasquez said. "They've created something much more exciting than what was ever on paper."
Henry and Christine's journey begins on a park bench, where their contrasting personalities and views about the world surface. A jittery and mysterious young man, Henry counteracts Christine's openness and curiosity. They decide to "run into each other...like on purpose some time." They meet again, while playing video games.
"Tetris is a metaphor for life," Christine says, relating Henry's "consistently trying to lose" to his tense, yet exciting life. Christine's tactic, however, is methodical, reflecting her relaxed nature and lack of spontaneity.
The play shifts from park benches and offices to apartments and restaurants, each scene presenting some life lesson in a darkly comical manner. Some themes explored throughout the play include treatment of the homeless, balance between good and evil and the power of love.
In about one hour, "Living Hell" will tap into the minds and hearts of its characters, in turn giving audience members a chance to empathize with their struggles and desires. Though dark at times, the play consistently offers humor and optimism, reflection and romance. "I have no idea how it got this way, but it's sappy," Vasquez said. "Not gushy, but it's a date play."
11-11-99
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |