"I think for better or worse people who see this will recognize themselves in it," said Murray. "It's about the way relationships are built and the network of lies people find themselves telling each other. It's going to be hard for the audience not to want to shake the characters because they make choices audience members might not like."
"It is a play about the pluses and minuses of lying to yourself and to those you love," said Vincent Murphy, artistic producing director of Theater Emory and director of the production. "Steve Murray is interested in the shades of gray--not the black and white--involved in this compact we know as human relationships. His brilliant portrayal of our culture in transition and the mental, verbal and emotional games of self-deception we play to survive have marked him as a contemporary writer who must be performed."
Murray hopes the performance itself will be probing. "For the past few years the plays I've written have been intentionally provocative. I don't try to tie up loose ends because I respect the audience ... I want them to discuss it."
Murray said that he and Murphy have similar sentiments about approaching theater. "It's great working with Vinnie because he understands and doesn't believe in overselling things or making them too obvious," he said. "We see theater in the same way--it's not a story going on in front of you that is neatly tied up at the end. Vinnie and I believe in luring the audience into a much more intimate relationship."
Murray also expressed pleasure at the skill of other Theater Emory artists, saying, "It's a playwright's dream to hand over a script and know you don't have to go to the rehearsals."
Emory actor Matt Huff will play the pivotal role of "Henry," son of "Hank" and "Sarah," played by well known Atlanta actors Tom Key and Janice Akers. Marie Wright and Samantha Hightower are double-cast in the role of Henry's girlfriend, "Julia." Theater Emory professionals Judy Zanotti (lighting design), Wm. Moore (set design) and student Meghan Healey (costume design) will contribute their talents to the production.
Tickets are $12 general admission, $9.50 to Emory faculty and staff, and $5 for Emory students. Show times vary. Call 727-6187 for more information or e-mail at boxoffice@emory.edu.
-- Danielle Service