FST Presents Acclaimed New Mystery-'Fiction'
By: Beau Higgins Jul. 12, 2006
Fiction by Steven Dietz Questions the Truth
Florida Studio Theatre finishes its 2006 Summerfest season with the mysterious new drama, Fiction by Steven Dietz. The final of three plays in the Summerfest Season, Fiction opens July 14 and runs through July 30, 2006 in FST's Keating Theatre.
What is truth and what is fiction? And which can be more damning—the hidden betrayal or the fictional fairy tale? Fiction begins simply enough as a story about a married couple (Michael and Linda.) Both are fiction writers and their relationship is fiercely candid. When Linda is diagnosed with cancer and given only a short time to live, the couple's world takes a distinct turn.
Linda requests to read Michael's diaries as she knows he will read hers when she passes away. In reading she discovers a secret that calls into question her husband's actions while he was at a writer's colony some years ago. The more she reads the more questions arise. Several twists and turns later, the very definition of truth becomes less and less clear.
The theme of truth versus fiction Dietz presents in Fiction is one FST has explored in many other productions. The Stage III Production of Edward Albee's The Play About the Baby asked audiences to answer to the existence (or non-existence) of a theoretical baby. In the Mainstage production of Brooklyn Boy , the question was focused on a writer's obligation to either write autobiographically or to fabricate stories with no basis in truth.
In Fiction, the question is one to which anyone can relate. Is it better to know all truths as they relate to one's relationships, or is it possible to know too much? At what point is the truth more harmful than the lies? And, finally the play will leave audiences asking themselves, 'what lies have I told in my relationships, and what lies have I been given?' While Dietz provides plenty of questions, he gives no clear answers. The audience is left to decide what's most important.
The New York Times describes Fiction as "artfully constructed," and Variety called it "intriguing."
The cast of Fiction contains two FST veterans as well as one new face. Susan Greenhill has been in many FST productions; most recently she was seen in Dinner with Friends . FST audiences will remember John Wojda from Edward Albee's The Goat, or Who is Sylvia in last season's Stage III Series. Amy Lynn Stewart is making her FST debut in Fiction . FST regular Martin LaPlatney will direct the show, with assistance from guest artist Martin Vreeland (Lighting Design) and from FST staffers Marcella Beckwith (Scenic Design) and Nicole Wee (Costume Coordination.)
Fiction begins July 12 and runs through July 30, 2006 at FST's Keating Theatre. Tickets are $19-32 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person or by calling (941) 366-9000.
Known as Sarasota 's Contemporary Theatre , Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building – now renamed the Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and its newest space, the Gompertz Theatre.
Fiction
By Steven Dietz
In the Keating Theatre
1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
Administration: (941) 366-9017
Box Office: (941) 366-9000
Fax: (941) 955-4137
E-mail: fst@fst2000.org
Website: www.fst2000.org
Tickets: $19-$32
Performance Schedule
Wednesday, July 12 8:00 pm (Preview)
Thursday, July 13 8:00 pm (Preview)
Friday, July 14 8:00 pm (Opening)
Saturday, July 15 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 16 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 18 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 19 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 20 8:00 pm
Friday, July 21 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 22 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 23 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 25 8:00 pm
Wednesday, July 26 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 27 8:00 pm
Friday, July 28 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm
Sunday, July 30 3:00 pm & 8:00 pm
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