KITTY HAWK - Sibling rivalry, ambition, and jealously take center stage this month in Kitty Hawk, as Theatre of Dare tackles Sam Shepard’s acclaimed dark comedy True West beginning March 20.

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Widely regarded as a modern American classic, True West explores issues of identity amid family dysfunction through the volatile relationship between two estranged brothers.

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First Flight High School alumnus Tyler Hudson stars as Austin, a successful screenwriter staying at his mother’s suburban Los Angeles home while she’s away on vacation. His quiet writing retreat is upended by the sudden arrival of his brother Lee, (Nick Oprea) — a petty thief and desert drifter who quickly begins inserting himself into Austin’s life, pilfering his car, prowling the neighborhood, and eventually threatening his career. The situation grows more chaotic with the arrival of Hollywood producer Saul Kimmer (Larry Warner) and later, the brothers’ mother (Penelope Carroll).

 

“This is considered a classic play for a reason,” says director Tim Hass. “What defines success? What defines the West? What defines the American Dream? These two brothers have very different outlooks on those ideas, and that leads to the conflict at the center of this intense family drama.”
 

While generational family trauma runs through the heart of True West, a more positive real-life family connection adds a special dimension to this particular production. Actor Nick Oprea’s father, R.D. Oprea, also portrayed Lee in a 1989 production of the same play at the Kempsville Playhouse in Virginia Beach.

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“It’s quite a rush to know I’m playing the same character he did, 37 years later, but also a little nerve-wracking,” laughs Oprea. “I hope I’ll do him proud when he’s in the audience.”

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(Theatre of Dare’s production of True West will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on March 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, with 2 p.m. matinees on March 22 and 29. Online tickets are available at theatreofdareobx.com, and some tickets will be available at the door on performance days. This production is rated PG-13 for language, violence, and alcohol abuse.)