Award-winning Fairfield University students present a devised theater piece - 20-Somethings: B.Y.O.B. April 1-5 | Press Releases

With financial support from the Student Diversity Grant/Brinkman Diversity Grant Program at Fairfield University, twenty-something student artists, Gary L. Pelletier '09 and Sarah L. Gatti '10 have channeled their passions and curiosity into an ambitious "devised theater" piece that explores the pressures, options, hopes and fears facing their peers. "20-Somethings: Bring Your Own Baggage" will be presented at the Quick Center for the Arts in the Wien Experimental Black Box Theater on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday April 1, 2 and 4 at 8:00 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees, April 4 and 5 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 general and $5 students and seniors.

"20-Somethings" was created on the basis of the diverse experiences of generation Y. Pelletier explained the climate that he and Gatti considered when they developed the concept for the project, "The twenties is a transitional time, a hard time and a confusing time. For most of us, especially the privileged in this country, it is supposed to be a fun time - the time of your life! In our theater piece, we have analyzed the experiences of our generation and have explored the complexities we face."

As a "devised theater" piece, it is a collectively created production that breaks the norms of traditional theater on many levels. Everyone in the rehearsal room had equal and creative license when working on this piece. Pelletier patterns his oversight as artistic director of the ensemble, after the world-renowned French director, Ariane Mnouchkine, founder of the Parisian avant-garde stage ensemble, Théâtre du Soleil. "She is a great director who sees her role as a facilitator and I approach directing in this way. She once said, 'I'm like a midwife. I help to give birth. The midwife doesn't create the baby. She doesn't create the woman and she's not the husband. But still, if she's not there, the baby is in great danger and might not come out.'"

Gatti, a religious studies major and Pelletier, a sociology/theater major both have minors in Peace and Justice Studies and join forces as co-producers as well as ensemble actors. The cast also includes alumnus Tony DaCosta '08 and seasoned Theatre Fairfield performers, Colleen Kennedy '09, Jennifer Martin '10 and Amal White '11. Project management is by Sarah Iannarone '11 and lighting design by Bradley Fay '12.

In addition to sponsorship by the Brinkman grant, the production is also co-sponsored by Fairfield University's Office of Residence Life and the Peace and Justice Studies Program. Tickets are available online at quickcenter.com or by calling (203) 254-4010. The toll free number is 1-877-ARTS-396. Sign up at quickcenter.com to receive e-mails for special offers and discounts for Quick Center shows.