Barebones Theatre Productions will present an evening of short plays, "8X8@8: eight plays. eight playwrights. eight o'clock," by eight of Michigan's finest playwrights from Aug. 6-8 at The Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale. The evening will consist of a series of short plays that evoke a strong sense of humor and observation.
Each play focuses on real moments within ordinary relationships: a husband and wife confront his strange destiny; neighbors debate the intricate balance of the local etiquette code; an ex-girlfriend revisits whether she really wants to be an ex; a hairstylist dreams of flamboyant parades; and even strangers exchange intimate moments.
In each piece, characters embark on individual journeys of discovery, which are sometimes poignant–often times hilarious. These personalities are, at once, outrageous and familiar. Their relationships are recognizable and easily relatable to anyone who has been entrenched in a relationship, no matter how long.
John Rutherford, company founder, has assembled 10 of Detroit's finest actors to portray some zany and yet empathetic characters. Full of local flavor, "8X8@8" is a collection of comic, dramatic and serio-comic scenes that explore the obstacles we all encounter on our search for love and fulfillment.
"These universal themes are explored through a variety of different and unique pieces that strive to compel an audience to identify with and care about their odd assortment of characters and situations," said playwright Kim Carney in a statement.
In true Barebones style the show's emphasis is on the literature and on quality acting to tell the story. The fuss of the technical aspects have been stripped away, allowing the audience to focus more on the story that unfolds than on the complex sets and "fireworks" of more commercially motivated productions.
"It's a thrill to work with talented Michigan artists who are completely dedicated to the creative process," said Heidi Bennett, a member of the production staff who is serving as one of the directors, in a statement.
Tickets, which are $15 and $10 (for students), can be reserved by calling 586-215-7538 or e-mailing [email protected]. For more information about Barebones Theatre Productions, visit http://www.barebonestheatre.org.
