Theatrics in Washington

I was so happy with the Studio Theater's production of "Fat Pig." Neil LaBute is ordinarily so cruel, and powerfully so, that I dread and look forward to his new plays. This one, as the reviews hinted, was a kinder, gentler play that left you free to imagine that the characters could find happiness--perhaps even with each other. The trim, ambitious man and his obese girlfriend could change! She offered to have her stomach stapled, for Pete's sake! And he--he could learn to commit! It could happen! Pigs can fly! The men I was with were not convinced. Move on, they said. That relationship is doomed. Men are so cruel, I thought, which is exactly what I think after every LaBute play. That, and "I'm hungry," which I guess was an appropriate thought after this performance.

The play was extremely well done, fast moving, wonderfully acted, and staged with great creativity. The scenes move from a pizzeria to an office to a restaurant to a bedroom to a beach picnic and it's so well done that you don't realize how much skill it takes to shift scenes that way.

Rarely has there been such a good discussion after a play. Everyone could bring something to the table (we appropriately discussed the play over dinner).
People discussed intermarriages; interracial marriages; marriages across class; and the role of friends who just want to warn you, for your own good, about what might happen down the line. Such good, good friends.
A wonderful afternoon of theater that I will savor, like the memory of a good meal, for a long time.