IU Theatre presents ‘God of Carnage’

As children, some people are told to try and solve their problems themselves. This old adage takes a turn in the latest production from IU’s Department of Theatre and Drama.

“The God of Carnage” takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. this Friday and Saturday in the Wells-Metz Theatre. Additional performances are Dec. 4 to Dec. 7.

The plot of the performance revolves around two couples attempting to resolve a dispute between their 11-year-old sons. Controversies arise between them, and the result provides the entertainment onstage.

IU’s adaptation of the play took a psychological approach.

Dr. Brian D’Onofrio, associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, met with the cast to discuss complexities of parenting and the whirlwind of problems involved in child-rearing.

The cast is small, consisting of four actors playing the two sets of parents.

Evelyen Gaynor plays the part of Veronique, the wife of Michel, played by Clayton Gerrard. Emily Harpe takes the role of Annette, who is the wife of Alain. Gaynor, Gerrard and Harpe are all MFA students.

The only undergraduate in the cast is junior Grant Alexander Niezgodski, who is Alain.

This peek into parental politics was originally written in French but adapted to an English version for performances abroad. It first graced the Broadway stage in 2009 and received the Tony Awards for Best Play, Best Actress and Best Director that same year.

-Casey Engelman