What is your friend actually thinking during a conversation? What does a mother really think as she reprimands her son?
Those questions, and more, led Austin Owens to write a play. Through Overground Underground Theatre Company, a group he helped form, he's assembled a cast of actors to bring his world, found in "Square One," to life at the Abilene Community Theatre's ACT II Black Box Theater.
It will be the theater's first events since the COVID-19 pandemic forced entertainment complexes in Texas to close in March. Owens said the state of entertainment makes shows like his more important than ever before.
"I think because of what's going on, theater, the arts, entertainment in general is more valuable than ever," Owens said. "It's important we come together as a community and have a shared experience together."
Owens will, presumably, get his wish with four performances of "Square One" this weekend. The first show opens at 7 p.m. Friday (doors at 6:30 p.m.) at the black box theater, 809 Barrow St.
There will be two shows Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a final show at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets are $10 per person.
Audiences will be asked to practice social distancing during the pandemic, with masks highly suggested, but not required. Owens said the production company will follow all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will sanitize.
The two-hour production features a group of four friends who return to their hometown, Owens said, and face reality regarding some long-dormant concerns. Personal truths and temptations come to light as they struggle through their communication.
"I want the audience to take home the idea that they need to truly know those whom you're closest to," Owens said. "Some may struggle with a dark side they're not aware of. But we need to be aware of the wounds we keep covered up."
Cast conversation
Gloria Ramirez, who plays mother Ann, said her character simply wants her son, Martin, to be happy.
Played by Tyler Sparks, Martin never got the memo, though, she said. Instead, Sparks's character is constantly upset.
"They (the youthful main characters) are right on the edge of trying to be adults but they're not adults," Ramirez said. "Who their parents want them to be and who they actually are are two different things."
Bruce Calvery, who plays Mark, an abusive alcoholic married to Ramirez's Ann, said he's relating to the character through past experiences acting on stage.
"In some aspects, I can relate to (Mark)," Calvery said. "He's dominant, overbearing and mean. I'm not that kind of person, but when I read the script ... I was able to develop a character in my head. I've played nervous characters, but I can also play characters the other way."
In addition to Calvery, Ramirez and Sparks, the cast includes Tosha Flores as Elizabeth, Margaret Cox as Raven, Mandi Rhodes as Emma and Paul Mathis as David.
If you go
What: "Square One," an original production by Austin Owens, co-directed by Owens and Karen Reese, for the Overground Underground Theatre Company
When: 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday; 2 p.m. matinee Saturday
Where: Abilene Community Theatre's ACT II Black Box Theater, 809 Barrow St.
Tickets: $10 at the door
COVID-19: All CDC guidelines will be enforced; masks are not required but are highly suggested
Synopsis: A group of friends return home after years away and must confront some issues between and within themselves.
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