Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder. But what if this beauty were lost on your co-workers, your friends, what you perceive as a society as a whole? Could you still embrace it?
These are the questions at the heart of Neil LaBute?s play, “Fat Pig,” now at the Spotlighters Theater in downtown Baltimore through July 1.
R. Brett Rohrer plays Tom, a modern-day American Everyman, meaning he works at a computer, plays basketball with the guys, and has a problem with things like women, commitment and expressing his feelings.
Looking for a place to have his workday lunch, he utters the very first words of the play, “Pretty big,” while walking past Helen (Erin Riley), a librarian with a love for war movies, disarming statements and food, not necessarily in that order. The awkwardness of that moment ? Tom is actually speaking of the size of the lunchroom ? sets the mood for the entire play.
Obesity may be the sole surviving acceptable prejudice, as characters such as Carter (Todd Krickler) and Jeannie (Courtney Ryan) have no problem referring to Helen as a “fat pig,” and other slurs. Using self-deprecating humor ? she jokes that unlike her famous namesake, she?d need a 1,000 ships to carry her away ? Helen admits her challenge is getting others to accept her as she is.
Tom, who had dated the body-perfect Jeannie, finds himself captivated by Helen and the two ultimately begin a romantic relationship, but one which Tom works hard to keep clandestine.
Is love really enough? If you see beauty while the world sees a leper, what would you do? LaBute?s play leaves the audience with far more questions than answers.
IF YOU GO
» Venue: Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theater
» Where: 817 St. Paul St., Baltimore
» When: Through July 1, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays and 8 p.m. Thursday, June 28.
» Information: Tickets cost $15 (discounts for seniors, students and BTA Members). Call 410-752-1225 or visit spotlighters.org/boxoffice.htm
