There is no need to tune in to WWF on the tube to get your wrestling fix this weekend. Head on down to Theatre X for some good ol' theatrical rasslin'.
Laurie Brooks' "The Wrestling Season," directed by Cathi McIntosh, tells the story of Matt and Luke, two close friends and fellow wrestlers on their high school team who also are the victims of rumors that surround their relationship.
Rival teammates Jolt and Willy spread hurtful rumors about Matt's and Luke's sexuality, helped by Heather, Jolt's popular cheerleader girlfriend. att dates the "easy" Melanie in an attempt to quell the rumors but ends up sexually assaulting her in a desperate ploy to prove his heterosexuality. Luke, who has begun to question his sexuality, does nothing to dispel the rumors and eventually pays the price for it. He is beaten up.
In a social setting where status and identity is key to survival, the characters of "The Wrestling Season" have to deal with the destructive power of rumors in high school. The play does not have an easy resolution, and the issues of identity, privacy, tolerance and sexuality are left hanging.
It is fitting that the director chose this piece. McIntosh is a graduate directing student and the Ruidoso High School drama teacher. This time around, her cast is made up of college students. The ensemble features Steve Pinzone and Ian Goebel as Matt and Luke; Brian Lucero and Matt Pennington as Jolt and Willy; and Crystal Kellogg and Krystl Kotschwar as Heather and Melanie. Rounding out the cast are Luke Templeton as the referee, Laura Clagett, and Melissa Conrad. The costumes are tight, revealing wrestling outfits, and the cast has been on a strict workout regimen. They all look great in spandex, and their moves are real choreographed wrestling.
Ian Lujan, former UNM wrestler, is the wrestling coach and fight choreographer. The set completes the wrestling aesthetic with a real wrestling mat and scoreboard.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
A discussion on the issues raised in the play will follow each performance. Audience members will have a chance to talk to the cast and crew to try to resolve some conflicts the play raises.
"The Wrestling Season" runs tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Theatre X in the Center for the Arts Building. Tickets are available at the UNM Box Office, 277-4569, or at any tickets.com outlet.
