Fat Pig

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More About

• Neil LaBute
• Rachel Permann
• Martyn Krouse
• Margaret Friedman
• Justin Lockwood

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Neil LaBute’s 2004 Fat Pig, second in a triad of plays about non-p.c. sexual politics, forces us to consider whether we’re brave enough to date across the weight barrier. Helen (Rachel Permann), a likeable gal of substantial girth, is having a nervy day when she invites trim, attractive Tom (Martyn G. Krouse) to sit with her at a crowded food court. Relieved to have a place to land with his tray of salad, Tom accepts, and soon they’re happily flirting. Tom evidences submissiveness from the initial scene, his uneasy blue eyes alternately apologizing to Helen and surrendering to his vengeful so-called friends. The latter are led by Carter (Justin Lockwood, the show’s director), a treacherous jerk who pries information out of Tom, then seeds it among spiteful, taunting colleagues. He derides obesity as a pathogen, afraid it might contaminate him. (Playwright LaBute has himself been candid about his own weight struggles.) This Art Attack production keeps the emphasis where it belongs, and the small cast occupies a long, narrow set with the audience seated close on both sides. Uncomfortably close, as we should be. MARGARET FRIEDMAN [See Margaret's full review.] Extended through March 20.
Thu., Feb. 11, 8 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 21, 2 p.m.; Thu., Feb. 25, 8 p.m.; Sun., March 7, 2 p.m. Starts: Feb. 11. Continues through March 20, 2010