A Kiss: Prelude and Aftermath

An undertow of sexual tension pulls two friends toward a long-awaited first kiss. A familiar story, except in Stop Kiss, the friends are women, the kiss takes place on a New York City park bench at four o’clock in the morning, and their tenderness is interrupted by an unprovoked act of violence. “It’s a funny, poignant, and evocative play script that explores our assumptions about love and reminds of us what a profound privilege and transforming event it can be when we choose, and are chosen, to care for another,” says director Cynthia Lammel. Scene and lighting designer is Jaye Beetem; costume designer is Ruth Palmerlee. The play shifts between two timelines: the events leading up to the first kiss and the aftermath of violence. Stop Kiss is a love story, but it also speaks to how our lives can change in a moment … or with one kiss. Stop Kiss, written by Diana Son, won an Obie award and was named one of the best new plays of 1999 by The New York Times. The CSU, Chico Department of Theatre Arts production will be presented Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 pm, in Wismer Theatre. Tickets are $6­15 and are available at the University Box Office (x6333). According to Lammel, subject matter is mature and inappropriate for children under 17.