The Forum was transformed into a New York City living room and park bench last night.
No Refund Theatre, a student-run group that puts on student run theatre performances most academic weekends, presented Edward Albee’s play “At Home at the Zoo” Thursday evening.
The show was comprised of two, one act plays that were written years apart. The second act was written first in the 1950s, and the first act was written as a prequel many years later.
The first act involves a married couple, Ann and Peter . The couple has a typical life, with nearly two of everything including two daughters, two cats, two parakeets, and even two microwaves.
The show opened with Peter siting in the living room in a chair, reading a textbook his company has written.
His wife, Ann, comes out and said the first line of the play: “We need to talk.”
This statement starts with a long discussion about anything and everything from affairs, to breast reduction, to cancer, to children and even circumcision.
The couple used many instances of word play and irony, which caused laughter throughout the audience.
The second act of the show again involved two characters. Peter, from the first act, and a new man named Jerry.
Director Paul Them described Jerry as a somewhat lonely character with a “sad life.”
“Jerry is desperate for any connection, any love at all,” Them (senior-mathematics and economics) said. “He is also missing something.”
While both acts revolve heavily around talking, the second act is a bit more eventful Them said.
Jerry tries to connect with Paul, explaining to him all of his miserable attempts to make friends with someone. Jerry tells of how he even failed to connect and befriend his landlord’s dog.
“[Connecting with Peter] is really his last shot,” Them said.
Some students supported the student production because they enjoy theatre that is put on by a group of their peers.
Julia Michelbrink said there’s something nice about productions done completely by students her own age.
“It’s different when students do it,” she (freshman-undecided) said.
John Reddy s aid he thinks it’s nice that NRT gives students who aren’t necessarily theater majors the chance to perform.
Reddy (junior-English) said more people should come to these performances to support their peers and because the shows are free.
“It’s the ultimate cheap date,” he said.
The show is being performed again at 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday night. The show is free and open to the public.
