A tragically comic reunion between a pair of estranged twins whose mother is killed by an errant showerhead sets the stage for the Players Club production of Nicky Silver's play "Raised in Captivity." Performances of the student-produced dark farce will be held on selected dates between Feb. 6 and Feb. 15 in the Studio Theatre of the Creative Arts building.

Written in 1995, "Raised in Captivity" explores interpersonal relationships in an era marked by a poignant search for meaning. As actor Aaron Buer, a junior majoring in theatre arts, points out, the play's characters "don't really know why they are alive." As the tale progresses, cast members hope that humor, and at times absurdity, will lead the audience to understand the characters and recognize aspects of themselves in the characters.

For junior Mike Fisher, who is directing the production, the play's combination of dark humor and dramatic poignancy depicts how people's lives are composed of a combination of elements from the real world and other, imagined worlds. Fisher hopes the cast will convey to audiences how the characters stay the same while gaining self-awareness at the same time.

Led and run by students, the Players Club presents one show a year that is hand picked and produced by students in the Theatre Arts Department. "Raised in Captivity" stars Buer and Sara Hernandez, also a junior, as the estranged twins.

Admission to the play is $10 for the general public and $8 for students and seniors. For showtimes, visit the College of Creative Arts Web site. For tickets call (415) 338-2467.

-- Public Affairs Student Writer Javier Jimenez with Matt Itelson