Also this issue:

"4 Artists of Distinction"
The African American Museum's "4 Artists of Distinction" is bright and deep.
-Robin Rice

Wlodzimierz Ksiazek: New Paintings
-Susan Hagen

Le Ballet National du Senegal
-Deni Kasrel

Beatlemania Now Project
-Paul Burress

Donna Uchizono Co.
-Deni Kasrel

In the Shape of a Spider
-Shivani Mahendroo

Georgian State Dance Company
-Janet Anderson

Lucia di Lammermoor
-David Shengold

November 14-20, 2002

artpicks

Dealer's Choice

London native Patrick Marber had a meteoric rise in status after the success of his play Closer. Now audiences have a chance to experience his first venture into playwriting, Dealer's Choice, winner of the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy (1995) and the Writer's Guild Award for Best West End Play (1995). The show, which Marber is said to have written to exorcise his own gambling demons, is running at Temple University's Randall Theater this month. It centers on a poker game held every Sunday in the basement of a London restaurant owned by Stephen, a man who thrives on big money and high risk. During these games, it is common for the restaurant staff to gamble away their paychecks and more. The play focuses on a particular game where Stephen's son, Carl, brings in a professional hustler to clean out the group in payment for his gambling debt. The night descends into a dramatic unraveling of the characters. This production of Dealer's Choice is directed by Ryder Thornton, a second-year MFA candidate for directing at Temple University. He says, "In Marber's play, poker becomes a perfect dramatic metaphor for exploring compulsive behavior, the nature of obsession, the hunger of respect from peers, and the need for mature relationships." Thornton directs an all-male cast that includes MFA Acting Candidates and one undergraduate student actor.

Nov. 14-23, call for times, $12, Randall Theater, Temple University, 13th and Norris sts., 215-204-1122.

—Shivani Mahendroo