Darien Arts Center Explores The Dark Side In 'God Of Carnage'

DARIEN, Conn. -- Do you ever fantasize about forgetting the niceties and showing people how you really feel? Keeping it real, uncensored and unforgiving? If so, then Darien Arts Center's production of Yasmina Reza's "God of Carnage" might be up your alley.

Lawrence Reina, Jessie Gilbert, Eileen Lawless, and Gary Betsworth in "God of Carnage" at Darien Arts Center.
Photo Credit: *Jeffrey R. Wyant*

by Cindy Cardozo

11/19/2014 5:00 a.m.

The dark comedy, which runs through Nov. 22, tells the story of a meeting between two sets of parents whose children were involved in a playground incident that resulted in a fat lip and the loss of two teeth. This event devolves into an unfiltered and uncensored confrontation that strips away pretention, revealing the true nature of the couples and the individuals involved.

Under the direction of Mark Graham, this play is also a seamlessly fluid study in small group dynamics as the parties take sides, alliances are sundered and reformed in various permutations, and the adults end up acting like the very children they are meant to defend. Cast members include Gary Betsworth and Eileen Lawless as Michael and Veronica Novak, the parents of the child who was struck. On the other side of the playground kerfuffle are Annette and Alan Raleigh, played by Jessie Gilbert and Lawrence Reina.

"God of Carnage" ends up its run on Nov. 21, and Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. at Darien Arts Center, 2 Renshaw Road, behind Town Hall. Tickets are $20. Call 655-5414 or visit www.darienarts.org.

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