by Mary Houlihan, Curtain Call,
published January 19, 2007
In his newest work, Harmless, prolific Chicago playwright Brett Neveu creates a tumultuous scenario on a college campus, as a creative writing professor is questioned about what is going on in his classroom. Part of what is at issue are First Amendment rights and the responsibility of the artist in a wider society.
In the past, Neveu's works have been rich in subtext and filled with characters unwilling or unable to express their emotions. But in Harmless, the characters are articulate and allegiances and alliances ebb and flow.
"These characters tend to use words as armor as opposed to Brett's previous characters who use silence as armor," said director Edward Sobel. "The relationships are very complicated and there's a lot at stake for everyone."
Sobel, who has worked with Neveu on several other productions, said the partnership is a "wonderful collaboration." As a team, they share a common idea about what theater is meant to do and why it's important.
"We've come to understand how to make the best of each other," Sobel said. "He not only makes me look good but I think he also makes me a better director when we work together."
