by Pamela Herrington
Daily Lobo
"Fool for Love" explores the complexity of destructive relationships and opens Friday at the Tricklock Performance Space.
The Tricklock Company is celebrating its 10th year of production. Company members are focusing on the theme of milestones in honor of the anniversary and this is part of the reason they chose "Fool for Love." This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the play.
The company aims to convey the message that each character can "look at their own destructive patterns and stop them," actress Kerry Morrigan said.
The play was written by Sam Shepard and centers on a conflicted relationship between lovers. May (Morrigan) is a desperate woman who struggles to make a break from an emotionally abusive relationship with Eddie (Joe Pesce), who is unable to face his troubled past
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Shepard explores his characters in detail and director Paul Ford gives a great deal of attention to the relationships Shepard sets up so meticulously.
"Shepard writes incredible roles for actors," Morrigan said.
Morrigan gives a strong, emotional performance, provoking sympathy and frustration from the audience.
Like Morrigan, Pesce presents a thorough 3-D character. Viewers will likely switch back and forth between discomfort and empathy, reacting to his speech and actions.
Chad Brummett provides comedic relief as Martin, a man who doesn't fit into May and Eddie's complex world. Brummett performs this character with innocence and gullibility, lightening the mood.
Although guest artist Frank Melcorri's role as The Old Man is somewhat mystifying at first, this initial confusion leads to a dark interesting conclusion that the audience won't want to miss.
Although the play runs a quick 70 minutes, the actors succeed in capturing Shepard's complex world of love, hate and betrayal, set in a cheap, rundown motel room.
The company is able to present Shepard's world so realistically because of the strong sense of collectiveness within their group.
"Each of us wears many different hats," Morrigan said.
The cast and crew have been busy with 18-hour workdays for the past few weeks and the hard work is apparent in this show.
"Fool For Love" runs through Nov. 2. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 6 p.m. Opening night gala tickets are $15. After that, general admission tickets are $10 and student tickets are $8.
The Tricklock Performance Space is at 112 Washington SE. For reservations or more information contact 254-8393.
