“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