The Shape of Things

As I said to Connor shortly after we'd seen The Shape of Things (we ran into each other as we were walking in), I don't think any of the performing arts at Carleton quite match theater in terms of production values, proficiency, and potency. With most student endeavors, there is an implied sense of amateurism that I don't think exists in the better theater shows.

I found The Shape of Things to be very well written, with a lot of memorable lines, and emotionally devastating. Connor said he could see the end coming, but even so he still almost couldn't take it.

It might have helped here that the characters were all college students in a town like Northfield, so the roles weren't a stretch for any of the actors. The sets were spare, except for the projected still images in the background, and there were only four characters in the whole play, but no more was needed.

The emotional impact might not have been there if the dialogue hadn't been so believable, but most of it rang true, even if some of the cultural references were slightly dated.

I'd probably give the most credit to the guy who played Adam (though all the performances were strong), since his character essentially turns into a different person over the course of the play, yet he seemed totally believable in both identities.

You should go see it this weekend.