Play deals with human emotion

HOLLYWOOD - Steven Dietz' contemporary classic, "Fiction," opens July 8 at the Underground Theater's Main Stage in Hollywood."Fiction" tracks a married couple, both novelists, as they venture into their memories on separate trips to the same writers colony. Once there, they both face a life-changing experience with the same intriguing young woman. Their encounters with her remain secret until journals, diaries and a brain tumor bring the tender and difficult truth bubbling to the surface. "A lot of Steven Dietz' plays are written with a specifically minimal set so audiences are practically forced to concentrate on the actors, director and most importantly, the story itself...and this story is a whopper," said co-artistic director Jacob Smith. I also wanted us to wrap ourselves in some really tough, battle-tested material, The fewer actors involved in a piece means to generally ask more of everyone involved. 'Fiction' offers very few breaks for its three actors, both emotionally and literally, and I wanted to see some of the company's top talent take that challenge on." 'Fiction' marks the company's Main Stage directorial debut for veteran member Joshua Morrison, who has acted and written for the company as well as directed shorter pieces and one-acts. "Fiction" plays July 8-31, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling (818) 849-4039.

********** Published: July 14, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 13