The Shape Of Things

In late December, the newly refurbished Flight Path Theatre in Marrickville will be hosting “a funny, sexy play” called The Shape Of Things by American playwright Neil LaBute, best known for his play In The Company Of Men.

Les Solomon says this play is “a great acting challenge for talented and experienced actors,” and there are “strong links asking questions about art – what is real and what’s fake?”

He adds, “This is a great American play that has been favourably compared to The Crucible.”

The play is “a masterful example of superb writing and characterisation” that “speak[s] powerfully about sexual politics,” a subject, Solomon notes, which is “on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days.”

What were the challenges of directing this play?  

“Oh, it’s a bloody difficult piece, it has so many challenges, it poses questions for an audience and then leaves them to ponder the answers. The central female character seems like a vile villain, or is she? Making a strong tough woman into a character an audience can understand can be a challenge even in these more enlightened times.”

Solomon loved working with his “incredible” cast.

“The cast are incredible, four of the most exciting and intelligent actors working in this country, Every day they surprise me, frighten me with their quick and clever way of taking these characters to new and frightening places. It is a thrill to work with such talent.”

Let’s hope that audience members find it’s a thrill to watch their handiwork.

Dec 29-Jan 31. Flight Path Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. $35-$45+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.flightpaththeatre.org