The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current, August 11, 2022, THURSDAY EDITION, Page 18, Image 18

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    18
CURTAIN CALL
AUG. 10�17, 2022
LIVE THEATER AND MUSICAL
PRODUCTIONS AROUND EASTERN OREGON
‘God of Carnage’ is a comedic look at rage
By Lisa Britton
Go! Magazine
BAKER CITY — Most everyone has found
themselves in an awkward situation when
conversation is stilted and uncomfortable,
and time drags on and on.
But what happens when emotions spike,
fueled by a fi erce sense of protection for
children and maybe a little bit of drinking?
French playwright Yasmina Reza explores
this scenario in “God of Carnage,” a play that
debuted in 2008 and won Tony Awards in
2009 for Best Play, Best Actor, Best Actress
and Best Director. It was translated into
English by Christopher Hampton.
Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre is
presenting “God of Carnage” over two
weekends this month: Aug. 12-14 and Aug.
19-21.
Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
and 3 p.m. Sunday at the theater, 2101 Main
St. Tickets are $15 adults, $13 for EORT
members and $8 for students. Purchase
tickets at www.easternoregonregionalthe-
atre.com or by calling 541-523-9652.
This play does contain adult language.
THE PLAY
“God of Carnage” is, says Director Abby
Dennis, “a comedy about rage.”
When a playground dispute results in
one child breaking two teeth of another with
a stick because he was not allowed to join
the gang, the two sets of parents decide to
meet and discuss the matter.
The gathering is formal and awkward for
these couples, who attempt to talk about
the incident (the attacker should face his
responsibilities, Veronica insists after she
reads a typed statement explaining the
situation).
And every time the talk seems to hit a
smooth patch, Alan’s phone suddenly rings
(he’s a lawyer) and everyone else must sit
quietly and try not to listen to his side of the
conversation.
But soon the civility devolves into child-
ish behavior — foreshadowed early when
Annette says “How many parents, defend-
IF YOU GO
‘God of Carnage’
Aug. 12-14 and Aug. 19-21
Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre
2101 Main St., Baker City
$15 adults, $13 EORT members, $8
students
Looking ahead
“Kitchen Witches” — Sept. 23-25,
Sept. 30-Oct. 2
“The Enchanted Bookshop” — Oct.
28-30, Nov. 4-4
“Scrooge in Rouge” — Dec. 2-4, Dec.
9-11
Auditions
Find out about upcoming auditions
on the Facebook page for Eastern
Oregon Regional Theatre, or visit
www.easternoregonregionaltheatre.
com.
Lisa Britton/Go! Magazine
The cast of “God of Carnage” rehearses on Aug. 3, 2022. Pictured is, left to right, Julia
Krohn, Kristian Krohn, Jay Billings and Channin Becker.
ing their children, turn infantile themselves?”
“Things get real,” Dennis said. “Rum
comes out, purses are thrown, very poor
language is used.”
“God of Carnage” has no intermission
and only four cast members: Julia Krohn,
Kristian Krohn, Jay Billings and Channin
Becker.
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