Churchill's "Far Away"

The ACC Arts and Humanities Division will present Caryl Churchill's "Far Away" for two weekends in late October. "Far Away" is an hour-long play about the horrors of the world that we live in and are increasingly becoming accustomed. The title of the play is believed to encourage the audience to ponder how "far away" we are from getting to the point of no return.

"In the past, people have seen this play and it leaves people talking about it for a long time," said guest director Laura Somers. "It forces us to evaluate what we're doing and how we act."

The play is made up of three sections, which Somers likens to three different plays. She describes the first as "naturalistic and realistic", the second as "incorporating clowning elements for a humorous aspect", and the third as "complete over-saturation and very avant-garde." The play itself has many layers which the audience will be left to peel away.

"It's like unwrapping a present," says Stage Manager Lana Marks of the play. "A very creepy present."

Guest Laura Somers has been invited by the department to direct the play. Somers, fresh from Los Angeles where she has been working on film projects, has been called "a director to watch" by the Austin Chronicle. Somers has lived in Austin before and is renowned among the Austin performing arts community, where she has received several honors including nominations for Best Director and Top Ten Productions of 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003. "Far Away" is her first time working on a play in a collegiate atmosphere. Somers' directorial influence is sure to pay off during the performances.

"Normally I do shows and take a play and try to restructure it and take a new approach to it," said Somers. "With this play, I decided that I would really try to just be as dedicated and true to the play as I could."

While attending one of the rehearsals, I had the pleasure of watching actresses Jodi Jinks and Melissa Johnson perform. Their performances were mesmerizing enough to keep me wanting more and real enough to keep me squirming in my seat. Actor Stephen Alford is also in the play.

"It makes you think. You have to pay attention to what these characters are going through," said Johnson. "It's bizarre, but at the same time, it makes sense. It relates to our world. It's kind of scary."

Performances will take place in the Rio Grande Campus Gallery Theater on the third floor. The play runs Oct. 19-21 and 26-28, at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.