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St. Thomas University News Release Office of
University Advancement |
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March 19, 2003 Theatre St. Thomas presents Big Love Big Love, the newest production by Theatre St. Thomas, takes its audience along on what critics call a "riotous, wild romp about gender, male bonding, violence, feminism and refugeeism." An American playwright, Charles Mee's Big Love is a comedic and satirical
battle between the sexes. The play depicts 50 unwilling brides fleeing
their pre-arranged marriages to 50 cousins. The sisters try to hide
in an Italian "It has a broad range of appeal," says actor Jason MacLeod, a first year journalism student. "With themes like love, humour, and tragedy, it encompasses all of the great themes of a story." MacLeod is no stranger to the theatre. He's held the title role in
Marlowe's Faustus, and Caucasian Othello in Anne Marie MacDonald's
Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet. This is his first play with
Theatre St. Heather Cox is a second year student majoring in both Human Rights and Sociology. She plays Lydia, one of the three sisters, who she says is, "the reasonable one." Cox has found some parallels between the play's major themes and events in her own life. "Lydia tries to make peace with everybody and she tries to make
everybody see the logic of what's going on," Cox says. "She's
a very level-headed girl. I think everyone's had a situation like
this at some point or Cox says Lydia has inspired her to be more logical, but not too logical, to look at the truth of situations when dealing with situations of the heart. MacLeod notices a distinct contrast between his character and Cox's. "My character is Giuliano, a gay Italian houseboy," says MacLeod. "He's a family member, he's never moved out, he lives at home. He hangs around and does housework. He's kind of the opposite to Heather's character. He once had the chance for love but didn't take it." Beside teaching thematic lessons about love and life, participating in student theatre gives the students an opportunity to perform at a higher level. "When I saw the lighting and everything going up, I was amazed at how everything was coming together," said Cox. "It's just been a wonderful experience. It's blown my mind. I hope to do a lot more plays." Big Love runs from Wednesday, March 19 to Saturday, March 22 in St.
Thomas University's Black Box Theatre. Curtain is at 8 pm. A matinee
will be held on Saturday, beginning at 2 pm. Admission is $8 for adults
and $5 for Media contact: Mary McIntosh |
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