Shelbie Harris
Staff Writer
When you consider the dynamics of a successful relationship in today’s society, could it be argued a majority of the success is attributed to mere coincidence, to just the right amount of luck?
“Luck & Coincidences,” a play composed by Idaho State University graduate student Gabrielle Joan Kane, presents viewers with an opportunity to delve into the possible perceptions of how two people fall in love.
The play highlights what a relationship in today’s modern world looks like as it follows the romance and courtship of Aidan, portrayed by DJ Klick, and Olivia, portrayed by Kane, complete with the sparks, the butterflies and the insecurities between them.
“The play follows Aiden and Olivia, as they keep meeting. It follows their relationship and it shows how there’s bad parts of a relationship too,” said Kane. “It’s not like everything’s always happy all the time. So it also highlights some various emotions that are there.”
Almost seven years ago, real events in Kane’s life inspired her to write this play.
It was originally intended to only satisfy an assignment for a playwriting class while finishing her undergraduate degree at Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Over the last three or four years Kane was able to explore the project in depth as a part of pursuing her master’s degree in theatre at ISU.
Producing a play from the initial conception to its completion, while showcasing the talent of the actors as well as the hidden costs of theatre production is Kane’s thesis.
“Because this is something that is motivated by a student, there isn’t a budget for it, so anything that we spend comes out of our pockets,” said the play’s director Vanessa Ballam.
“Part of our goal is creating this show that can be powerful and moving and not have to cost a ton of money; that you can still tell a truthful, unbelievable, compelling story without tons of spectacle or bells and whistles.”
Watching a piece grow from its creation, through the early stages of writing, up to the point of its actual production is a rewarding experience for most but for Kane the buck doesn’t stop there.
The role for female lead, Olivia, was initially intended for assistant director Jessica Rahill. However for maternal reasons Kane herself will be acting, not only in the first play she wrote, but also as a character based upon herself.
“Acting has been really difficult for me, being the playwright. I didn’t think I’d ever act, or at least not as one of the leading parts in a play. I have so many different versions in my head, so the current version is different than some other versions that I’ve written and revised,” said Kane. “That has been a real challenge for me.”
When you think about each and every brick it took to lay the foundation of a play like this, from the idea itself to the time spent editing and redrafting, getting the script to a point ready for production, to finding ways in marketing and advertising the work itself, it’s possible to understand how rewarding the experience can be.
“It is a huge deal for me. I compare it to winning a championship. I mean you can’t do it by yourself. I’ve got this whole team behind me in support,” said Kane. “The university has been really gracious with letting us use the space, and the theatre department has been great about scheduling. There is no way this production would have been able to happen without it.
“Luck & Coincidences” will be performed in the Rogers Black Box Theater in the Stephens Performing Arts Center Sept. 26 and 27.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.
Tickets for the production can be purchased at the Campus Connection desk in the Pond Student Union Building or by calling the Box Office at 282-3595.
