Hilbert directs a fascinating play

by Jeff Purton
For The Post

There may be only six people separating one from the rest of the world.

A captivating story about taking chances and the power of perception, Six Degrees of Separation is Ohio University School of Theater's current production in the Closer to Home series.

An innovative, yet practical set provides a stirring backdrop for this latest play, directed by Miriam Hilbert.

Set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the story revolves around one young man, most accurately described as "Paul," played by Shawn Williams, and his impact on the lives he invades. Ouisa Kettredge, played by Leanne Robinson, is most deeply affected by her run-in with Paul. Throughout the play we see her grow stronger and more empowered, drawing from his strength and his flaws.

Through wardrobe changes, on-stage nuances and lighting subtleties that accentuate Ouisa's transformation, the audience sees her become a much more vibrant woman.

"That's exactly what theater should be," Hilbert said. "A collaboration between all facets of production. Everyone brought something to the table and that made the process so much more exciting."

One unique aspect of the play (aside from the brief display of full frontal nudity) is that Ouisa and her husband Flan, who is played by Todd Frugia, provide the narration. Writer John Guare dares to break the proverbial fourth wall and allows Flan and Ouisa to tell the story to the audience as they are living it.

The two break in and out of dialogue to keep the audience informed about exactly what is happening. The narration, thrown in with overlapping story lines and calculated ironies, allows the play to break away from convention.

It's not the script alone that makes this play work. Consistent acting from the entire cast creates a smooth production. An array of both lifeless and downright hilarious characters brings color that keeps the audience guessing.

The set, which was designed by Armond D. Francone, brings the play into the audience's lap. An overhanging and sharply graded floor flows back into a unique glass backdrop. The backdrop, which represents the Wassily Kandisky painting so often referred to throughout the play, is a symbol of order and chaos.

As the play progresses, we see the painting become more and more distorted until Flan tries to put things back in order, only to discover that he's simply produced chaos.

The story is about how lives intermingle and those tales of the people who get hurt in the crossfire.

"(There are) six degrees of separation between me and everyone else on this planet," Ouisa said. "But to find the right six people..."

Six Degrees of Separation opens at 8 p.m. Friday in the Baker Theatre in Kantner Hall. The show will run Feb. 10 and from Feb. 15 to 17. Tickets are $9 for regular admission, $7 for students and senior citizens. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee Feb. 17; all other shows start at 8 p.m.