Angie Radczenko

Offering a refreshing but often all-too-realistic presentation of human nature, Fat Pig is a new play to come from Montreal’s Through Line Productions and Theatre Sainte Catherine. Written by film director, playwright, and screenwriter Neil LaBute-best known for In the Company Of Men, and Nurse Betty with Reneé Zellweger-the script is an unforgiving portrayal of society’s vain obsession with looks and body types.

Fat Pig is, unsurprisingly, the story of an oversized woman named Helen who faces tremendous difficulties in her life and relationships because of her hefty figure. When she finally meets a guy she likes-Tom, a normal-sized businessman- her constant self-deprecation is a source of tension for the would-becouple. Helen’s lack of self-confidence is only exacerbated by Tom’s buddies, who urge him to get rid of his “whale of a girlfriend.”

Despite Helen’s often frustrating insecurities, she becomes a lovable character as we witness her most intimate moments firsthand. The audience finds itself rooting for the triumph of this unlikely duo. The play, however, goes even deeper. Although Helen outwardly insists that she is fully comfortable in her own skin, when reading between the lines, her sense of humour-which lends itself to many hilarious and entertaining moments-suggests she is  a deeply troubled woman.

Most of all, the play acutely reminds us of the way we treat the people around us. Our actions, words, and blatant judgments can be crucial in determining how a person conceives of his or her own self worth. Fat Pig encourages us to rethink our own behaviour, without being too trite or clichéd.

Fat Pig will be playing ON September 18 at Theatre Sainte Catherine, 264 Sainte Catherine Street East. For show times and information, visit www.theatrestecatherine.com.