“Beast” portrays passionate emotion.
Now showing at the Bas Bleu Theatre in downtown Fort Collins,
Richard Kalinoski’s play, “Beast on the Moon,” is a product of pure
human affection and follows the local theater’s theme of presenting
thought provoking and intelligent work.
“Beast” portrays the story of two orphans, Aram and Seta, as
they cope with the haunting images that inhabit their past. One is
eager to heal, while the other needs to learn how. Raised during
the Armenian genocide at the beginning of the 20th century, this
married couple begins their new life in America, trying to lay down
new roots.
Sotirios Ilia Livaditis plays the lead role of Aram, a
photographer who delights in capturing his wishes in other people’s
pictures. Livaditis draws on developed acting skills, and an
authentic accent to play his role. Having Mediterranean heritage,
Livaditis successfully encapsulates the aura and demeanor of a
European immigrant who is hoping to block out his worries with the
opportunities that America has to offer.
This is Livaditis’ debut at Bas Bleu as an actor, though he is
constantly involved with productions there and at CSU. As a new
graduate from the theatre department at Colorado State, Livaditis
has had experience in all aspects of theatre.
Aram’s wife Seta, played by Gemma Aguayo, tries to build a home
and heal her husband’s wounds, while coping with her own. Aguayo
shows her skills, as her character grows throughout the play, not
only mentally but also physically. One almost forgets that just 90
minutes ago she was playing a 15-year-old bride, not a wizened
spouse of 10 years.
This is also Aguayo’s debut at Bas Bleu, and she hopes to open
up audience’s awareness of the tragedy that occurred at the
beginning of the 20th century.
In “Beast on the Moon” each character has his or her sacred
item– a place to fall back to in a moment of mental anguish and
memory. Writer Kalinoski challenges viewers to analyze whether or
not everyone has a place to go, a material object to clutch to, or
a habit to perform that can make you forget, for that instant, bad
memories.
“Beast” asks the audience to examine their own crutches, set
them aside and open up to the idea of confiding in a love of
someone, not of something. Kalinoski sees importance in personal
symbols and totems, but opens up thought about what can really
comfort the soul.
“It was the beauty of the story-telling that first hooked me
when I discovered this play, and ultimately, the powerful message
of ‘healing, not blaming,” said director Laura Jones in the
program.
“Beast” is good therapy for dealing with a tragedy suffered in
the past and a lesson in compassion for helping those who have been
through one.
“Beast” is a powerful play coupled with powerful acting that is
not to be missed, and the close intimate environment of the Bas
Bleu Theater bounces audience’s feelings around at lightning
speed.
“Beast on the Moon” show times
Current date through Feb. 21
Fridays and Saturdays only
7:30 p.m.
Select Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Select Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Bas Bleu Theatre 498-8949
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