The DU Theatre Department’s showing of the play “The Shape of Things” opened last Thursday night with a bang—or should we say blow—with actors’ mouths used for more than just running lines (an unexpected scene in the bedroom leaves the audience silently squirming and contemplating looking away, wondering what exactly type of show they came to see).
Roughly 20 people showed up to support the four actors on opening night in the intimate setting of the Byron Theatre, with the unique effects of a rotating stage, located in the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The play, written by Neil LaBute, takes place at a liberal arts college in a small conservative midwestern town and follows the story of two young couples, illustrating the drama of their intertwined relationships and the metamorphosing effects they have on each other.
While a little slow in the beginning, the play captures the essence of college romance and is relatable to any student, mentioning everything from the necessity of working Friday nights (the penniless college kid stereotype) to the sometimes-forced friendships associated with roommates. The characters and situations demonstrate a cringiness reminiscent of the show “The Office” and similarly engender one of two responses from the audience: full-on laughter or simply an uncomfortable smirk.
Throughout “The Shape of Things,” the shape of issues in romantic relationships is portrayed, such as the negative effects of changing yourself for someone else, the complications of history and past love interests and the never-welcome presentation of ultimatums to a significant other. It isn’t until Scene 9 out of 10, however, that the true message of the play is shockingly unveiled, literally, by a white cloth: the show is a social commentary about the plasticity of personality, the conventional definitions of desirability and the true meaning of art.
You know when the word “titillating” can be scripted into a conversation in the first ten minutes that the play will keep your eyes wide awake and your ears perked the whole time. “The Shape of Things” surely will not disappoint, and the cushioned red benches of the Byron Theatre provide for a fun night out with friends celebrating the performing arts. While some audience members left the play feeling down and a strong disdain towards one particular character, this unexpected and provocative drama will no doubt leave you contemplating its implications long after the final curtain call.
“The Shape of Things” runs for one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. The play will be showing until Nov. 11, and tickets can be purchased for $10 either online or at the Newman Center box office.
