Grabbing a 'Cookie' at the BPP

Since Halloween has just ended, many people are still plagued with thoughts of candy and other sweets. For those still craving one of those sweets, the Bloomington Playwrights Project is producing one right now -- "Cookie Bites the Ninja," by local playwright Doug Bedwell. \nThe play began its run Halloween and will continue through Nov. 16. Despite the date of its opening and the title, sweets are not the play's focus. Rather, it is "a comedy about life, love and literature," said director and set designer Steve Decker.\nDecker said the play's main character Nathan is a struggling but talented young writer of serious fiction, who earns his living on the side by writing anonymously published "adult" novels. Racing against deadlines and writer's block, he pens the worst dirty book in publishing history, and things go downhill from there. In addition to Nathan's plight, the story examines prostitution of the body, mind and spirit.\nIts creators say the play is far from banal.\n"I wanted to direct this play because it is a fun look at a serious idea," Decker said. "It pokes fun of the crazy world of academia, publishing or perish frenzy."\n"Cookie" is written in a way that urges audience members to consider their own opinions and rethink the ones they had about writing, especially in the world of academia. Bedwell brings this challenge to his audience.\nThis type of new and multi-faceted drama is always being performed at the BPP, because the group constantly tries to produce new works by new writers. Working with new plays and "Cookie Bites the Ninja" has been a great experience, said the cast which consists of Nicole Bruce, Benji Loudermilk, Diane McLell, David Mickler, Kevin Roach and Hannah Smith.\nThe excitement of working with a new text was especially true for Bruce.\n"New plays give you so much freedom, because there is no expectation to uphold," she said. "You are creating this character for the first time, usually."\nAs well as having an intriguing plot, the play's dialogue is reason enough for going.\n"It's extremely, intelligently funny, so sharpen your wits for this beforehand," Bruce said.\nNot only is Bedwell's writing important, but his presence was very beneficial to the cast. \nPerhaps one of the greatest benefits to working on this show has been the continuous ability to have direct communication with the playwright himself, said cast members.\n"Bedwell attended almost every rehearsal, and offered answers to any character or plot-related questions that any of us had," cast member Smith said.\nBedwell and Decker's work is supported by lighting designer Greg Hofman and costume designer Dixon Reynolds.\n"The designers just had fun with their jobs," Smith said. "It was obvious."\n"Cookie Bites the Ninja" plays at the Bloomington Playwright's Project Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 16 at 312 S. Washington St. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Student rush tickets will be sold 10 minutes before the performance for $5 if seats are available and a valid student ID is presented. To make reservations, call 355-9001.\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.