Coe Theatre’s “Big Love” delivers more than a simple love story
Written by Charles Mee, directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Dr. Deanna L. Downes and choreographed by Alvon Reed ’03, “Big Love” is a modern-day adaptation of Greek dramatist Aeschylus’ play “The Suppliants.” The title may imply a simple love story; however, murder, betrayal, gender issues, societal pressures and heartache are woven throughout the script.
Fifty sister brides flee to an Italian villa in an attempt to escape an arranged marriage to their 50 cousin grooms. Not to be forsaken, the grooms arrive at the villa to reclaim their brides. Piero, the villa owner, finds himself in the midst of a gender power struggle — to let the brides stay at his villa or to let the grooms claim the brides as their own.
Feeling unheard, all 50 brides make a pact to slay their husbands on their wedding night — but only 49 follow through.
One bride, Lydia, backs out of the pact and decides to remain in her arranged marriage to Nikos. Both characters show a unique understanding for others, proving that respect is paramount in a relationship. “What it comes down to is that none of the men or women are right,” Downes said. “The man and woman that are most flexible are the two that fall in love.”
Downes has taken an avant-garde approach to directing “Big Love.” She tasked all of her student-actors with researching pieces of sculpture that relate to their character. “The sculpture will add movement to the scenes, and the characters will become statues at different points of the play,” Downes said. “I would encourage viewers to come more than once — see if they can find very popular, well-known sculptural poses throughout the scenes.”
Performances of “Big Love” will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 in the Dows Fine Arts Center at Coe College. The Feb. 14 performance will feature a specially ticketed Valentine’s Day event featuring wine, chocolate, cheese and pre-show entertainment.
Coe values its location and relationship with the Cedar Rapids community and looks forward to providing exceptional theatrical productions. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s success in offering superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities stems in large part from being located in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. As such, Coe welcomes the community to participate in this event.