Sat. April 7

 Is weight the new race? London's "Observer" asked that question in considering the 2004 play by Neil LaBute's (in photo), "Fat Pig," the most bluntly titled theatrical event we've encountered in some time. It's closes Saturday April 7 at Boston Center for the Arts Calderwood Pavilion. It concerns the romance of the more-than-rotund Helen (played by 26-year-old BU grad Liliane Klein) and the semi-studly Tom (played by James Ryen). The unlikely pairing comes about after a chance meeting, and there's disbelief everywhere - in Helen's mind, in Tom's mind, and, especially, in the minds of Tom's co-workers and quasi-friends Carter (Michael Daniel Anderson) and Jeannie (Laura Latreille). Helen, a libraraian, is habitually self-deprecating about her weight, making jokes constantly to deal with the reality and blunt criticism; Tom tries to pretend her weight does not affect his affection - maybe love - for her. Tom's office cohorts, including an ex-girlfriend, remind Tom that he's fallen for, well, a fat pig. Carter is especially assholic, trying to make up lost ground by saying she'd be attractive if she lost 80 pounds or maybe could go on a reality TV show. Ultimately, he says, you should "run with your own kind," that his moment in the sun was now (why waste it with a fattie?) and all of the "normal" people feared "fags, retards, cripples and fat people" because those outcasts were all one step away from what they themselves might become. (He also added, "The elderly make me sick.") In a post-show Q and A with the cast, Anderson said his character made people think, noting "A lot of people don't want to admit that a little part of them is Carter." And, thing is, Carter does speak some bitter truths, however discomitting and nasty they may be. This, of course, is where the playwright LaBute lives. He's the author of scorching plays and films like "The Mercy Seat," "In the Company of Men," and "Possesion." His view of humankind does not include much room for kindness. Whether he revels in his depiction of misery or does it for for the greater good is up for debate. Probably, he does both.

"Fat Pig," sometimes considered one of his "softer-edged" productions, is no laugh riot, but it produces chuckles - guilt-tinged or not. It also has some dated references, like Sonny Liston and Mama Cass. And it has some reality gaps. You never quite buy Tom's love of Helen; he says the right words, but doesn't act the act. And she loves him because of ... well ... not sure. He's a handsome businessman and a "good catch," but a shallow guy, searching for a smidgeon of depth. After the play, Klein said, "The thing that attracts Helen to Tom is her ability to make him squirm." She also said, Obesity "is very much a worldwide, relevent issue. Obesity is universally not admired anywhere." Yes, perhaps, weight is the new race. "Fat Pig" doesn't come to a smashing close. We can see where it's headed and we kind of sigh - this is LaBute territory and things don't have a way of ending up happily ever after. But LaBute has, once again, made us consider difficult topics: How does what others think about us, or our partner, make us feel? How much does it matter? How important is physical beauty?
"Fat Pig," directed by Paul Melone, is worth the rough ride.  Final show: Saturday April 7 at  8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$14.

527 Tremont St., 617-933-8600 BostonTheatreScene.com