This weekend the issue of growing old and being replaced by the next generation is dealt with in the play “A Life in the Theatre.”
This play substantiates the claim that art imitates life by exploring the struggle of one actor as he is inevitably replaced by his younger counterpart.
The play revolves around the lives of two actors, Robert and John, who work together in a repertory company. Robert is growing older and becoming more obsolete, while John is young, fresh and on the brink of stardom. Tension inexorably builds between the two characters as time progresses.
Written in 26 scenes, the audience is able to see the lives of the characters backstage as well as on-stage. Lighting and sound cues are used to designate whether each character is behind the scenes or performing.
The show is a product of Act Out Productions in conjunction with SoREAL Theatre Company. Act Out Productions was founded in 1994 by executive director Frank Barnhart. The organization is dedicated to the presentation of gay and lesbian as well as culturally diverse material, offering off-Broadway and Broadway shows. The company was the host of the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival this past summer.
Nick Bensch, a sophomore in art, said he is an admirer of Act Out Productions.
“I’m a fan of the organization because it promotes diversity in the arts, which is something everyone should support,” he said. “I have loved the energy of the shows I have seen, so I’m excited to see what Act Out has in store for us with this play.”
Barnhart is not only the executive director of Act Out Productions, but also co-stars in the play alongside Joseph Bishara, artistic director for SoREAL Theatre Company.
Barnhart, who plays the older actor, Robert, said he believes “A Life in the Theatre” offers something the audience may not expect of “Act Out Productions.”
“The majority of shows we do have a gay or lesbian theme or are very rooted in that,” he said. “This touches on that subtly, but is different in that it’s not the primary focus of the show.”
Barnhart said the show’s focus reflects issues of the young and old using the backdrop of theatre.
“The actors lives in the theatre are reflective of society — all the issues in this show are pertinent to everyone. No matter how young you are, there is always someone younger,” he said.
Bishara said he also sees “A Life in the Theatre” as a reflection of society, adding that, in the play, life on the stage mirrors life off the stage.
“It’s in with the new and out with the old, and Robert’s place has become significantly reduced,” he said. “We are able to see this happening to him onstage — we see him lose grip.”
“A Life in the Theatre” was written by David Mamet, a well-known writer based out of Chicago who wrote scripts for such classics as “The Untouchables” and “Glengarry Glen Ross.” The play was made into a TV movie starring Jack Lemmon and Matthew Broderick in 1994.
Bishara came across the script while working as associate producer for the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival alongside Barnhart, who served as the festival producer. The two had worked together several times in the past.
People who come to see the show are invited to stay after to enjoy a night of free live music by either the “James Elliot Project” or “What We Are.” Both bands will be playing two of the four nights the play will be shown.
“What we’re trying to do is offer an evening of the arts,” Bishara said.
“A Life in the Theatre” will open at 8 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday as well as Jan. 31st and Feb. 1st, at Snaps and Taps, 44 S. Washington Ave. Tickets are $10 at the door, or can be ordered by calling 263-9448.
