Ever since I read subUrbia two and a half years ago in search of a scene to use as an "intensive arts" project, a burning passion to produce the play has plagued my artistic ambition. Th
e desperation inside each character alongside their unique manner of coping with life continuously drew me to this play as both an actor and a student of literature. You can imagine, then, my delight when the Guild voted in favor of producing this show an
d granted me the privilege of directing.
Bogosian locates the fallacy and breakdown of the American Dream in a vapid Suburban Fantasy. His sub-urbane characters suffer from the disillusionment of the failed American Dream and struggle to break free from suburban constraints. Unfortuantely, the
black hole that is suburbia never provides these characters with the tools to survive outside their sanctuary.
The play is a struggle for identity and hope,
| a struggle between optimism and cynicism, a struggle for clarity amidst suburban chaos.
As Bogosian has said himself, he writes plays to give actors the opportunity to act their hearts out. His particular talent as a playwright lies in crafting fully developed and complex characters. I cannot think of anything more thrilling than the opport
unity to directly involve myself in the work of nine actors exploring these perpetually intriguing characters. For the opportunity, I thank the Theatre Guild, the Artistic Team, the dedicated cast, and, most of all, the playwright. A special thanks goes o
ut to Jose Aranda and Nick Fontaine, with whom I originally fell in love with this play. Enjoy the show and take care of each other!
Paul J. Larochelle
Artistic Director
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