Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll: live art

In a difficult and brilliant 90 minutes, guest artist Oscar Riba (OC'92) will attempt to single-handedly take the audience on a whirlwind tour through the psyches of eleven men. In what the New York Times  has called "...a brilliant show...that smacks you right in the face," writer Eric Bogosian (OC '76) attempts to exhibit men whom "have all been knocked loopy in varying degrees by their uncontrollable, society-induced appetites for a material fulfillment they can never achieve."

With characters ranging from a crazed old man raving about the death throes of the industrial age to a subway panhandler with an unusual spiel of jargon gleaned from the city's social and penal bureaucracy Bogosian creates an astonishing, contemporary comedy.

Oscar Riba maintains that he is ideal for the role stating, "All the different characters represented in this play...are people with whom I've interacted in one way or another. It's an incredibly powerful piece of writing dealing with issues that affect all of us. It's a bittersweet look at the harsh realities of life.... There's no make-up, no costume changes - the only tools I have are my body and my voice to create a series of 11 characters." Riba's ability to captivate the audience for a full length performance is a testament to the breath and depth of his acting ability.

Along with off Broadway runs of Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll  Riba continues to keep himself busy as the voice of Fondue on Nickelodeon's hit cartoon series "KABLAM!" He has done several television commercials and held numerous parts in various New York theaters.

Combining the direction of the well versed Chris Marcantel with the acclaimed acting of Riba, Bogosian's Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll  is certain to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll shows Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. in Warner Main. Tickets are $2 for students, $3 for faculty and senior citizens, and $4 for the general public. All tickets are $2 more at the door.

A man of many faces: Oscar Riba (OC'92) puts on a one-man show with Sex, Drugs, Rock N' Roll,  written by Eric Bogosian (OC'76), author of Suburbia and Talk Radio.  (photo courtsey of Theater & Dance Department)