Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Anyone who has ever played the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game is familiar with the concept that any two people in the world can be connected through six associations.

It is this theory that forms the basis of John Guare's award-winning play, "Six Degrees of Separation," which the Stephen F. Austin StateUniversity School of Theatre will present at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, through Saturday, April 28, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

"Inspired by the true story of a young African-American man who charmed his way into New York City's upper-crust by presenting himself as the son of Sidney Poitier, the comedy-drama is a biting look at social elitism and our need for real human connection," said director Kyle Kennedy, SFA assistant professor of theatre.

The story itself is intriguing and deals with contemporary issues such as racism and homophobia, said Kennedy. But the manner in which Guare unfolds the plot is what has always drawn him to the play.

"It's only 90 minutes long, with no intermissions or real scene changes," Kennedy explained. "We change location and time instantaneously, so the energy remains high at all times. In addition, much of the dialogue is addressed to the audience, so it's a very intimate production."

After the play opened in New York in 1991, director Jerry Zaks received a Tony and Drama Desk Award. In addition, the play received three other Tony nominations: Best Play, Best Actor (Courtney B. Vance) and Best Actress (Stockard Channing.) It was also nominated for the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

In 1993, the play was made into a movie starring Will Smith as Paul, Stockard Channing as Ouisa and Donald Sutherland as Flan.

In the SFA production, Arlington senior Thomas Brazzle will play Paul, Athens senior Shawna Lynch will portray Ouisa and Schertz senior Devin Collins will play Flan.

The play, which is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, School of Theatre and Mainstage Series, is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury of Nacogdoches. It is recommended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.