Arthur Kopit wrote his absurdist piece, "Oh Dad Poor Dad, Momma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad," with the intention of entering the work in a playwriting contest.

The Harvard graduate never imagined that it would bring him worldwide acclaim at the ripe young age of 23. The play had a very successful off-Broadway run, gathered critical recognition and won several awards (including the contest for which Kopit wrote it).

The Lab! Theater at UNC will present "Oh Dad" Friday through Tuesday in the Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre of the Center for Dramatic Art on the UNC campus.

Written as a parody, "Oh Dad" plays upon the avant garde French theater of such renowned playwrights as Eugene Ionesco and Samuel Beckett.

The play revolves around two offbeat characters: Madame Rosepettle, an overprotective and domineering mother, and her neurotic son, Jonathan. Madame Rosepettle has murdered and stuffed her husband and travels from city to city enticing various gentlemen into listening to her tragic love affair.

Along with her on these journeys is Jonathan, who finds beauty and friendship in his Venus flytraps. On one such trip, Jonathan comes into contact with his nanny for the sojourn, an oversexed teen named Rosalie. From here, as they say, the plot thickens.

Directed by junior dramatic art major Tony Strowd, the production features student actors from UNC.

Shows will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 28-30, at 8:15 p.m.; Monday, March 31, at 4 and 8:15 p.m.; and Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Now in its 61st season, the Lab! Theatre is the oldest student-run theater company on the university's campus. Dedicated to artistic achievement and social opportunity, the Lab! Theatre is entirely student produced, directed, acted, designed and crewed.

For information, see on, see www.unc.edu/labtheatre.