Meetinghouse Theatre Lab will present a staged reading of “Tuna Water” by William Nelson of Belfast, Maine, winner of its 6th annual playwriting competition.

“Tuna Water” tells of the ailing cat that brings a spirited young runaway into the company of a jaded professor and a sympathetic divorcee. Together they explore and experience the meanings of friendship and love, freedom and responsibility. How much do we give? How much do we take?

Despite worlds-apart backgrounds, the three principals locate common interests and pursuits. Without hatred or harangue, “Tuna Water” takes on some of the big issues of our time.
“Every generation brings on confrontation and trade-off with its predecessor,” the playwright says. He especially enjoys plotting out dialogue between younger and older. “The age difference promotes a level of honesty and directness that is often missing in talk between adult peers,” he says. “That’s particularly true in a situation like this. The kid needs a roof. The professor can use a life.”
Borrowing figures from the classics, Nelson characterizes the play as “Puck drops in on Faust.”
At certain points in the play some coarse language is heard; parental discretion is advised.

There will be a talk-back and reception with the playwright immediately following the 6 PM reading.

Admission is free but donations gratefully accepted.

***a note to actors: unlike the regular Out of the Hat! workshops, this is a special event and will be pre-cast***

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