Connecting pornography to violent acts against women is the premise behind LSU Theatre’s production of “Masterpieces.”
“Masterpieces,” which opens tonight, is a feminist play that explores issues of gender, sexuality and monogyny facing society, said Ashley Gray, the play’s director and Ph.D. candidate. She picked the play because it best expressed her personality as a materialist feminist.
Originally written in 1984 by Sarah Daniels, the play is intended to be a forum that opens the doors of discussion and debate on the effect pornography has on society, Gray said.
“It allows people to re-examine these issues and decide whether or not they agree with them,” Gray said.
Kris Ritter, a theatre senior and actress in the play, said the play revolves around the court case of the main character, Rowena.
Rowena kills a man after watching a pornographic film in which a female in the movie was killed.
The play utilizes a non-linear format – where the audience knows the outcome of the play at the beginning – to describe the story.
Ritter said the audience is introduced to the court case and then is given a chance to explore motives behind why Rowena committed the crime.
Kay Evans, an architecture sophomore and actress in the play, said she hopes the audience walks away with the realization that women are often looked down on by men as sexual objects.
Kate Bailey, a theatre sophomore who plays two roles in the production, said the message the play offers opened her eyes to reality.
“Before I read the script I did not think much about the issue,” Bailey said. “Once I read through it my eyes opened to what goes on in society.”
Eleven student actors make up “Masterpieces'” cast, with a few of the females playing male parts.
Gray said she did this so male audience members would get a chance to see “different sides of the story and have a better understanding of the issues.”
Gray said she is not nervous about the outcome of tonight’s premiere.
“I so much believe in the play and its message,” Gray said. “I hope it just affects people and causes debate.”
“Masterpieces” runs tonight through Nov. 16 in Theater 150 of the Music and Dramatic Arts Building. Performances are held Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The play contains graphic verbal descriptions and is recommended for mature audiences only. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to performances, and a $6 donation is suggested per guest.