‘Leatherface’
offers twists
By Gina Ponce
On-line Forty-Niner
For
the first time in the United States “Leatherface”
brings its confusion-filled plot and twisted
ending to the stage in Long Beach.
Helmut Krausser was inspired to write “Leatherface”
after an actual violent event that took
place in Germany between a man and the police.
The play premiered in 1994 with three characters;
He, She and a voice, and has since had 17
productions in Germany and Europe.
The main character in the production, He,
identifies with Leatherface, the murderer
in "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
He becomes envious of the idea Leatherface
represents, and of the indifference he has
towards what others think of him.
“He is a character who wears masks because
of his insecurity, which is so deep rooted
he does not know how to just be,” Chace
Farguson said, who plays the He character
in the production.
“Leatherface” was brought to the United
States along with a director from Germany,
Thomas Blubacher. Publicity Coordinator
Rachel Maize said Europe is not used to
the violence we have here.
“European audiences may find [“Leatherface”]
a bit more shocking,” Maize said.
“It will be interesting to see the reaction
of the audience here and see what that means
for our society.”
Tannis Hanson, the character of She, said
the play starts off on a high note and than
comes down to a struggle between two people
who are both lonely and looking for hope
and love. Hanson said it is also about
the man’s inner struggle.
The message behind the play is about “the
different masks people wear and things they
hide behind to not have to accept who they
really are,” Hanson said.
Farguson said he hopes the audience can
walk away feeling they have participated
in something that is every day life and
be aware of the idea that they can be free
of their own masks.
“Can you truly love someone if you don’t
know who they are, or can you truly be loved
if you don’t know who you are yourself,”
Farguson said.
The California Repertory Company is presenting
“Leatherface” at the Edison Theatre in Long
Beach, running until to March 15.
Show times are 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday,
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m.
matinee Sunday.
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