‘Fat Pig’ touches on controversial social issue of weight
Theatre II’s newest production generates large audience on opening night
By Katie Hudson, contributing writer
Posted on October 12, 2006

“I wanted to slap the audience in the face and let them realize the way they think about people,” said Michelle Crouse, a fifth-year student and director of Neil LaBute’s play, “Fat Pig.”

“Fat Pig” had its opening night on Tuesday and will be playing through Saturday. Somewhat like the movie “Shallow Hal,” the play confronts the idea of a handsome man falling for a woman who is overweight. The handsome man, Tom, must overcome his peer’s constant negative remarks towards his “big-boned” love interest, Helen.

With only four actors in the entire play, it still accomplishes the goal of letting the audience reflect on the way society treats the overweight population.

“The actors reactions in the play helped make the point of the way we act towards other people very clear,” said senior Kristin Davis, an audience member on opening night.

“I enjoyed seeing a real love story rather than fake stuff you see on TV nowadays,” senior Jessi Groover said.

With a line waiting outside the door and a full house inside the theatre, the cast and the crew were more than pleased.

“It’s always so exciting when you have an audience,” said senior Daniel David Crabtree, who plays Tom.

Crabtree shone when it came to playing the role of a down-to-earth, good-looking businessman caught in a stereotypical society. In order to prepare for such a role, Crabtree put in five weeks of rehearsal as well as went on a diet.

“I pretty much lived on salad, cigarettes, Red Bull, coffee, and water,” Crabtree said. His unusual diet lost him 15 pounds and allowed him to identify with his character.

The play itself is presented somewhat differently than other typical plays. The stage is pre-set with the necessities for every scene and there is no intermission.

“I really liked how the stage was set up. It had everything it needed for the play to work,” Davis said.

The main component for the play to actually work is Maggie Bavolack’s character, Helen, also known as “Fat Pig.”

Bavolack’s portrayal of Helen brings an upbeat personality and a comedic attitude towards the topic of her weight.

“I have always felt like ‘the fat kid’ growing up so I was able to draw from my own personal experiences and put them into Helen,” Bavolack said.
“I was nervous to see how the audience would react to the topic and the way we talk about it.”

Perhaps the most controversial character is Tom’s shallow co-worker, Carter, played by sophomore Jeff Watson. Carter makes some derogatory remarks about Helen’s weight throughout the play, and through the audience’s reactions, he can bring comedy and also feelings of uneasiness.

“Carter is a lot of fun,” Watson said. “I can say whatever I want and get away with it. It is interesting to see the audience’s reactions,”
Crouse picked to direct “Fat Pig” in order to reach the audience. “People are too focused on appearance. I knew I could get the audience to think after this play was over,” Crouse said.

The play is showing at Theatre II through Saturday. Tickets are $3 at the door.