TM to Present Discussion With Neil LaBute at Ars Nova

The acclaimed playwright-director Neil LaBute will be featured in the second in a series of talks with theater professionals sponsored by TheaterMania and moderated by TM’s chief theater critic, David Finkle. The program, titled “In the Company of Neil LaBute,” will be held at the Ars Nova Theater (511 West 54th Street) on Sunday, April 18 at 6pm.

LaBute is the author of a number of controversial plays including The Mercy Seat, The Shape of Things, Bash, and The Distance from Here; he also wrote and directed the movie version of The Shape of Things. His other film credits include Possession, Tumble, Nurse Betty, Your Friends & Neighbors, In the Company of Men, and Vapor, which is due to be released later this year.

According to Finkle, “Neil LaBute looks at contemporary life as if the phrase is actually ‘contempt-orary life.’ His characters are so flawed, they are practically flayed. Their behavior is often inexplicable and unforgivable. When he holds them up to his harsh scrutiny, he does so poetically but not necessarily with any hope of redemption. It’s a tough stance he takes, but he’s extraordinarily articulate about it. He’s one of our most provocative playwrights and it ought to be a pleasure to learn why in detail.”

Tickets for the April 18 program are $10 in advance or $15 at the door; they may be purchased by calling 212-868-4444. Additional programs in the TM talks series will be announced soon.