"Matt & Ben" Production Explores Complex Friendship, Resentment, and Creativity

Strategic Insights -

In a wildly comedic and heartfelt exploration, the School of Drama's production of "Matt & Ben" delves into the complexities of male friendship, resentment, and creative collaboration. Directed by Sean Barnett, the play features drama seniors Emily Yago and Janessa Minta as Matt and Ben, two aspiring creatives in the 1990s, before their rise to fame. With the original script literally falling from the ceiling, the play embarks on a journey of emotions, secrets, and relationships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The production features a two-hander play, with drama seniors Emily Yago and Janessa Minta playing a total of four characters, including J.D. Salinger and Gwyneth Paltrow.
  • The play explores themes of resentment and friendship, inspired by the close childhood friendship of director Sean Barnett.
  • Janessa Minta, a senior musical theater major, played the role of Ben, a character they "craved doing" as a transmasc actor and found to be "super gender affirming."
  • The production did not focus on perfectly representing the real-life celebrities Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, but rather creating characters with the same histories but taking them in new directions.
  • The play's climax features a blowout fight between Matt and Ben, but director Sean Barnett aimed to find sincerity underneath the satire.
  • The production encourages audience members to appreciate and love their friends, with a focus on the importance of creative collaboration and celebrating friendships.

Statistics:

  • The production ran from October 29-31.
  • The play was written by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers in 2001.
  • The production's dramaturg, Zachary Everett-Lane, researched the cultural and historical context surrounding the play.
  • The play is set in the 1990s, emphasizing the pre-mainstream success of Matt and Ben's lives.

Sources:

  • School of Drama's production of "Matt & Ben" (October 29-31)
  • Interview with Janessa Minta (senior musical theater major and actor)
  • Interview with Sean Barnett (director)
  • Interview with Zachary Everett-Lane (production dramaturg)
  • Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers' original play "Matt & Ben" (2001)
  • J.D. Salinger's works
  • Gwyneth Paltrow's work in film