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DYSFUNCTIONAL, VIOLENT FAMILIES TAKE LSU THEATRE MAINSTAGE
 September
10, 2004
LSU Theatre opens its 2004-2005 season as Jane Drake Brody directs
A Lie of the Mind, Sept. 29 through Oct. 17 in the Claude L. Shaver
Theatre. Sam Shepard's quick-paced drama takes an uncensored look
at life in America.
Originally produced in 1985, A Lie of the Mind follows the lives
of two families linked by marriage. Focusing on the near-death abuse
of Beth at the hands of her husband Jake, the story shows how violence
affects the family unit and brings into question the role of gender
in society.
"With family dynamics, human emotions and profound social
questions, A Lie of the Mind is absolutely timeless," said
Brody. "People will be able to recognize members of their own
family."
Professor Les Wade, who has written extensively on Shepard, is
contributing his expertise to the endeavor. "Considered one
of his most mature plays, A Lie of the Mind may be the most ambitious
of all his works, seeking a broader canvas, a more self-conscious
critique of family relations and national values; this is Sam Shepard's
attempt to write the Great American Play," says Wade
In 1986, the New York Drama Critics Circle named A Lie of the Mind
the Best New Play of the Season. Shepard, a 1979 Pulitzer Prize
winner, is considered one of America's most talented playwrights.
"With the writing of A Lie of the Mind, Sam Shepard reached
the height of his fame and repute as an American dramatist,"
says Wade.
A Lie of the Mind is suggested for mature audiences. Performances
are in the Claude L. Shaver Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29- Oct.
2, Oct 4, 5 and 14-16. There will be 2 p.m. matinee performances
on Oct. 3 and 17. The run starts with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview
performance on Wednesday, September 29, followed by a Sneak Preview
Performance (all seats $8.50) Thursday, September 30. A Lie of the
Mind officially opens Friday, October 1. Tickets are $8.50 for students,
$13.50 for LSU faculty & staff and senior citizens, and $15.50
for adults. Discounts are available in advance for groups of 10
or more. Tickets and more information are available at (225) 578-3527
or www.theatre.lsu.edu.
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