Plus-sized Laughs In Neil Labute's Fat Pig

Plus-Sized Laughs in Neil LaBute's Fat Pig

Media Release

21 April 2010

Neil LaBute's award-winning comedy Fat Pig takes a comical and politically incorrect look at our obsession with appearance when it opens at Bille Brown Studio from 31 May. When Tom falls in love with plus-sized Helen he is ecstatic, yet there's no way he can tell his fat-phobic colleagues about their romance

Director Morgan Dowsett says "Fat Pig is a bold, honest and darkly comic look at a big issue. At a time when obesity is the nation's biggest killer, we are very squeamish about accurately describing ourselves and each other.

"In this play LaBute dispenses with social niceties and goes straight for the jugular and audiences can expect to have many questions: Should Tom continue his romance despite his colleague's taunts? Should Helen try downsizing to fit into Tom's life? Is Helen a 'fat pig' or the best thing that ever happened to Tom? Perhaps she's both."

LaBute wrote Fat Pig as part of a trilogy of plays on body image, consumerism and relationships. The show was inspired by his experiment with dieting, as his weight decreased so did his focus on writing, leaving him to conclude that "I discovered the preening fool who was living beneath the surface of my usual selfI also noticed that I was writing less and less".

Described by New York Magazine as "arguably, the most legitimately provocative and polarizing playwright at work today", LaBute himself has been quoted as saying he's "looking to cause trouble on the stage."

Fat Pig's cast includes Chris Sommers, Steven Rooke and Amy Ingram, who replaces Rebel Wilson in the role of Helen.

Venue: Bille Brown Studio, 78 Montague Rd South Brisbane
Dates: Monday 31 May Saturday 26 June 2010
Tickets: $36-$56 Under 30: $30
Bookings: QTIX 136 246 or www.qldtheatreco.com.au
U30 Studio Nite: Thursday 24 June
This event for young theatre-goers allows them to see the show, enjoy a post show Q & A, then mingle afterwards in the Studio foyer with the cast and creative team with DJ entertainment.

ENDS

For further information, images and interview
opportunities please contact:

Amanda Doellinger
Publicity and Communications Coordinator
Queensland Theatre Company
P 07 3010 7611
M 0423 148 213
E [email protected]

Website www.qldtheatreco.com.au


SOURCE: Queensland Theatre Company