Love, Sex, Bullets: Couture Brings “The Altruists” to Dibden

It all begins with an angry rant. Then… a gunshot.

Love. Sex. Bullets. Protesting radicals. All of these things will come together when JSC senior Amber Couture directs “The Altruists” on the Dibden stage later this month.

Every senior working towards a B.A. in theater must complete a senior project of some sort, which means acting or directing. “If you think about it, it’s almost like a senior thesis,” Couture said. “At the end you kind of sum of everything you’ve learned and this is my last thesis/project that I’m doing to finalize my degree.”

The play, written by Nick Silver, focuses on a group of young, self-styled radicals who protest at seemingly any possible chance. Some issues covered include gay rights, Women Against Drunk Drivers, and school cutbacks. One character, Sydney - an addled soap-opera actress - shakes everything up when she shoots her boyfriend. From there, even more dysfunction ensues.

Couture said she chose this particular play because of a connection she felt. It reminded her of Monty Python-esque British humor.

The production process began with auditions held last December and rehearsals starting in January. The cast includes Alex Noftz, Dana Thomas, Justin Pomerville, Jess Silva, Zach Boykins, and Maddy Gibbons. The crew is made up of Jeremy LeClair (lighting design), Jeff LeBrack (set design), Chelsea O’Connell (stage manager), Anne Schneider (costumes), and Kerriann Clinton (props).

“It’s been quite an experience,” Couture said. “I think it’s my cast that makes it so much fun.”

“The Altruists” will be her directorial debut. She has acted in such performances as “Tartuffe” and “Dangerous Liaisons,” and she plans to continue with theater work after graduation. She said that her main concentration after leaving JSC will be stage management.

“The Altruists” will hit the Dibden stage March 20 and 21, at 7 p.m. and is a free event.