Feb. 13, 2019<\/p>\n
The Northern Arizona University Department of Theatre<\/a> questions the meaning of love in its upcoming production of \u201cThe Effect,\u201d a funny and moving story exploring the human heart as well as the brain. A number of performances will be held in February and March at NAU\u2019s Studio Theater.<\/p>\n \u201c’The Effect’ allows us to explore the causes, presentations and treatments\u00a0of mental illness wrapped in a very non-conventional love story,\u201d director Christina Gutierrez-Dennehy<\/strong> said. \u201cThe combination of the play’s heavier and lighter elements makes it appealing to audiences.\u201d<\/p>\n A cast of four students bring the complicated story to life, as a behind-the-scenes crew of students manages the stage, lighting, costume design and other technical elements necessary to ensure a successful production.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Effect\u201d is playwright Lucy Prebble\u2019s tale of two subjects in\u00a0a clinical drug trial who are given a powerful new anti-depressant, sparking a journey that will challenge their views of love and truth. Throughout the play, the two fall in love and begin to wonder whether\u00a0their developing feelings are real or caused by the drug. As the story unfolds, the characters question their perceptions of reality and what kind of control they have over their emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is what I mean when I say that the love story is unconventional\u2014the characters are not only questioning how\u00a0they feel about each other, but indeed if those feelings can be trusted to begin with,\u201d Gutierrez-Dennehy said.<\/p>\n \u201cOn the surface it\u2019s a love story, but at the same time, ‘The Effect’ questions the nature of reality and if we can we trust our own perceptions. What if the things we think we know and feel are in fact the products of medication?\u201d<\/p>\n Performances of \u201cThe Effect\u201d will take place at the Studio Theater in the Performing Arts Building. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 23, 28 and March 1-2. Matinees are 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 and March 3.<\/p>\n Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and NAU employees and $8 for children and NAU students. They are available at the NAU Central Ticket Office in the University Union, online at the CTO website<\/a> or by calling (928) 523-5661 (ordering charges may apply).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"