Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre will present the student-directed play “The Lover” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Downstage Theatre on the SFA campus.
Directed by senior theatre major Robert Malbrough of Houston, “The Lover,” a one-act play by Nobel Prize-winning English playwright Harold Pinter, is a comedy in which a married couple creates sexual games to liven up their relationship.
“‘The Lover’ explores the way we tend to compartmentalize our lives and how that affects our relationships, in particular,” Malbrough explains. “The games the characters play serve primarily as a distraction, so the question we have to ask ourselves is: what happens when games aren’t enough and we have to face the real issues?”
The cast includes Burleson sophomore Paige Farley as Sarah; Houston sophomore Jason Trevino as Richard; and Wichita Falls sophomore Travis Brasher as John.
The production staff includes Emily Rohrman, Grand Saline senior, stage manager; Megan Poole, Houston junior, assistant stage manager; Alexa Weeks, Mathis junior, scenic designer; Elizabeth Bielstein, Houston sophomore, costume designer; Katy Morton, Marshall senior, lighting designer; Lane Davidson, Denton junior, sound designer; Taylor Solice, Mesquite junior, properties designer; and Samantha Friedrich, Bay City senior, hair and makeup designer.
Malbrough most recently served as assistant director and dialect coach for the School of Theatre’s production of “Clybourne Park.” Previous SFA acting credits include “Spamalot,” “Macbeth” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Houston area acting credits include “Assassins” for SRO Productions and “Black Comedy,” “Love’s Labor’s Lost,” “Night of January 16th,” “Little Women: The Musical,” “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” “Assassins” and “Macbeth” for Lone Star College-Kingwood. Directing credits include “Abandon All Hope,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “The Unexamined Life” and “A Shield No Longer.” Malbrough is currently revising and expanding his short play, “Dangerous Goods,” which was originally produced in 2011.
“The Lover” is recommended for mature audiences. Faculty production advisor is Slade Billew.
Tickets are $4. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu. The Downstage Theatre is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.
