by Christina Mylinski of North Texas Daily

Two Rooms was written by Lee Blessing in response to the hostage events that took place in Lebanon in 1988.

Photo by Martina Trevino

Eric Orman, a theatre arts sophomore, and Lindsey Hall, a theatre arts senior, rehearse a scene from Two Rooms.

With controversial topics, a determined cast and crew, and the hope that viewers will relate to the themes, Lee Blessing’s production, Two Rooms, aspires to bring an infinite range of emotions to the audience, said Chris Barr, the director and theatre arts senior.

The theatre and dance department will perform Two Rooms on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts Building’s Studio Theatre.

The play focuses on obstacles faced by people having someone they know held hostage.

“Emotionally, a lot of people have experienced certain things in their life, and if there’s any way that I can help put things into perspective, I will,” said Eric Orman, a theatre arts sophomore. “The character I play, Michael, experiences a lot of pain, but in all the hurt he is able to find light and happiness in the world.”

The play will also illustrate the reverse side of the situation, portraying the obstacles faced by the person who is being held captive, Barr and Orman said.

Barr was presented with the task of retelling Blessing’s play in a way that would live up to the meaning it has given to many viewers.

“It’s such a powerful play. It’s me holding myself to such high standards,” she said. “I want the audience to go away understanding the relationships and take away the feelings of each character.”

Two Rooms was written by Lee Blessing in response to the hostage events that took place in Lebanon in 1988.

The story takes place over a three-year time span, and the setting is divided between Michael Wells, an American held hostage by Arab terrorists, and Michael’s home office where a reporter is metaphorically holding his wife, Lanie, hostage.

The message presented throughout the play is showing people the truths behind what happens in hostage situations regarding the reactions of the government and media, said Barr and according to the North Texas Dance and Theater Web site.

Photo by Martina Trevino

Eric Orman plays the role of Michael Wells, an American being held hostage in Lebanon by Arab terrorists.

“I always thought that the government would pay for people to get out and do whatever is necessary, but the play introduces the government using the hostage to manipulate the public,” said Lindsey Hall, a theater arts junior playing the role of Lanie.

However, the play is not to be interpreted as the government trying to corrupt hostage intakes.

“My focus has never been to bring down the government.” Barr said. “I’ve never been that type of person.”

Instead, Barr said she wants the viewers to understand the relationship among the characters.

The play brings realization of the subject of war to those who have not experienced it and can only relate to what is available through the media. It is a different approach with a more raw reaction, Barr said.

“It’s hard for me to imagine that kind of grief, so it’s made me more aware of the pain of not knowing where the closest person you are to in the world is,” Hall said. “It has made it more real.”

The play is student-directed, acted, designed and stage-managed. It also balances technique and directorial elements.

The show runs on the support of a small budget, said Amanda Breaz, box office and promotions manager.

“Generally, our Lab Series Student Productions sell out, so I’m expecting sold-out shows,” Breaz said. “Buy the tickets in advance.”

Content partner - North Texas Daily