`INDEPENDENCE': PLAY LOOKS AT A FAMILY FRACTURING

Director Bob Clubbs

"Independence" was playwright Lee Blessing's attempt to write stronger roles for women.

But Bob Clubbs, who is directing the student-produced drama opening Wednesday at Southeast's Lab Theater, doesn't regard "Independence" as a "women's play."

"I think it's about family," he says. "About determining what family is and how you fit into the family."

The family in "Independence" -- Evelyn Briggs (Jessica Nelms) and her daughters Kess (Brooke Hildebrand), Jo (Jessica Wilson) and Sherry (Rachel Roberts) -- is coming apart. In part, that's because the mother is unstable. "She has a very interesting brand of love," Clubbs says.

But the children -- gay Kess, caretaking Jo and rebellious Sherry -- all have varying commitments to the family.

Clubbs chose the play because "All four characters are equally balanced. These were characters I could develop," he says, "and the play is so layered in terms of the history of the family."

Thanks to a long rehearsal period, Clubbs has spent much time charting the Briggs' familial history and having the actresses improvise "so they will all have shared memories."

He also liked "Independence" because its realism is so unlike anything the University's Players usually do.

"The dialogue of the play is very natural," Clubbs says.

A spicey word or two may be heard.

Clubbs is a senior from Malden who directed last year's University Players benefit called "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." He also appeared as the title character in "Tartuffe" and played the professor in last year's Lab Theater production of "Oleanna."

An education major, he plans to be directing high school plays eventually and asked theater department chairman Don Schulte for this chance to learn more about the craft of directing. Schulte is serving as the play's faculty advisor.

The play's technical director is Don Marler, also a veteran of many University Theatre productions.

Clubbs has young but seasoned actresses to work with. Nelms, a sophomore, appeared opposite him in "Oleanna," played many roles in last summer's Old Seminary Shakespeare Festival and most recently had a lead role in the River City Players' "Dial M For Murder."

Wilson, a junior, was Mariane in "Tartuffe" and the Angel in 1995's "Everyman." Hildebrand had the title role in "Everyman" and also appeared in "Three-Penny Opera."

Roberts is the newcomer but the freshman was a stalwart in recent seasons at Central High School.

Clubbs says he's learned a great deal about the craft of theater by working with the scenic designer and costume designer. "I never thought about color before," Clubbs says with a sense of wonder.

The production is entered in the American College Theatre Festival. Two members of the festival staff will see the play during the run. If favorably reviewed, the play could be chosen to compete in the festival finals at the University of Northern Iowa.

"This will showcase their talents," Clubbs said of the cast. "I Think it's something we can all be proud of.'

The play continues at 8 p.m. Nov. 21, 22 and 23. Seating is limited for Lab Theatre productions so reservations are recommended.