Inside Iowa State

Jan. 27, 2006

How I Learned to Drive starts up ISU Theatre's spring season

by Samantha Beres

ISU Theatre will open its spring season with How I Learned to Drive. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, known for its provocative subject matter, is a dark comedy that tells the story of a sordid relationship between a girl and her uncle.

L'il Bit is a woman in her 30's when she flashes back on memories of her life. As a young girl, she's conflicted with feelings of love for her Uncle Peck, one of the few people who gives her any attention, and guilt about what is happening between the two of them.

Director Patrick Gouran said it's the complexity of the relationship and the characters that makes this play interesting. He describes Uncle Peck as the guy next door, pleasant and caring.

"He is not just some stereotypical slathering guy out there, grabbing anyone who walks by," Gouran said. "He is in many respects a very nice man." Gouran adds that "L'il Bit is not entirely innocent in all of this either."

A three-person, modern Greek chorus fills in the narrative by playing characters such as Peck's wife and L'il Bit's mother. The chorus also adds humor to the play.

The play will be performed in the Memorial Union Maintenance Shop with a minimal set, relying on lights, music and the talent of the actors.

For the possibly squeamish playgoer, there are no sex scenes. In fact, Gouran points out that playwright Paula Vogel did not write the script to be physical in any way.

When asked why anyone should see this play, Gouran said, "Pedophilia and awareness of its insidious nature are worthy of examination in the theater."

"I'm all for musical comedies, but there are other aspects of life that are worthy of looking at, too," he said.

Gouran is a visiting artist with ISU Theatre. He recently retired from Iowa State after 34 years as faculty in the theater department. For decades, he also served as the department's photographer.

L'il Bit is played by Laura Lee Williams, ISU senior.

Uncle Peck is played by Marty Ellenberger, who works at Iowa State's IT Center and is well-known in the community theater arena.

ISU students Kim Chelf, Matt Bridges and Amanda Mullen portray the Greek chorus.

The play runs Feb. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 5. Tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for students. All ISU Theatre tickets are available at the Iowa State Center ticket office, 4-3347.

Marty Ellenberger and Laura Lee Williams play L'il Bit and Uncle Peck, leading roles in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, How I Learned to Drive. Photo by Patrick Gouran.

"Pedophilia and awareness of its insidious nature are worthy of examination in the theater. I'm all for musical comedies, but there are other aspects of life that are worthy of looking at, too."

Patrick Gouran