“Stitching” premieres at JMU experimental theater

Written by explicit and controversial Scottish playwright Anthony Neilsen, "Stitching" is a two-person play focusing on the nitty-gritty of life: sex.

"Stitching" is opening in the James Madison University Experimental Theater, otherwise known as the student theater. "We can do basically anything we want in there," said Kat Wisener, a fourth-year Theater major and director of Stitching. "It's the student theater."

JMU students who are interested in doing a production in the student theater simply need to propose a project to the faculty, present a good case as to why they want to do this play, and be approved.

Wisener became acquainted with 'Stitching" one year ago during her term in JMU's study abroad program, which placed her in London studying theater. She saw it in a French theater and loved the show.

"I [couldn't] relate to the specific details, but I could definitely relate to the emotion," said Wisener.

The play is based around a couple, Abby and Stuart, who have been together for four years. Due to an unexpected pregnancy, they find themselves in a situation in which they must examine their commitment to one another. They must "pick apart their sexual history, stitch by painful stitch," as said by the Bush Theatre in England.

The play doesn't stay in chronological order, but rather skips around in time, analyzing the relationship from many vantage points.

"It gives you chills," said Wisener.

"It's about being in love with someone so much that you can't leave them, but love isn't enough."

"Stitching" premiered in Traverse, England in 2002, directed by writer Neilsen himself. The play received incredibly mixed reviews. Some viewed the crass nature of the play as "brave" while others were too disturbed to focus on deeper meaning.

The Edinburgh Evening News said, "Anthony Neilson has created a tragic, sometimes hilarious and always disturbing piece of theatre."

The Evening Standard said, "A deeply mesmerizing, if shocking, experience as a couple smashes through taboo after taboo in a harrowing sexual tug of war."

Lyn Gardner of The Guardian said, "Stitching isn't easy to watch."

"There are parts of the play that are really uncomfortable to watch, but I don't think that any of it is gratuitous," said Wisener.

Wisener emphasized the need for an open mind when approaching a play such as "Stitching." The sexual context in which the play is placed is a basis for the story that is to unravel throughout the play. "Sometimes you won't understand [a strange situation] until later and then see why it was in the play," said Wisener. "Everything comes together at the end."

"I don't want to deceive people. Again, it's not gratuitous, but it's definitely for mature audiences," said Wisener.

Stitching performances are Thursday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 27 at 8 p.m., and on Friday, Sept. 26 at 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $3. The JMU Experimental Theater (a large gray building) is located on South Main Street next to Kinko's.