A lot has been said about the nature of voyeurism. But while most point at reality and talk shows on TV, a new play will look at the issue in modern, everyday life.

Flowing into this concept of keeping tabs on people, “17 Tolbiac,” the NIU School of Theatre and Dance’s latest production, is all about watching the neighbors.

The play takes place in France and focuses on the lives of nine people on the sixth-to-ninth floors of an apartment building.

Interestingly, the play written by director Robert Schneider, has all French dialogue.

Although that may sound intimidating, the exaggerated body movements, prop usage, and accentuated facial expressions make the words sound as clear as if the characters were speaking English.

“The play may be hard to grasp at first, but the characters pull you in and overcome the language barrier,” said Courtney Kozeluh, a theatre studies major and assistant stage manager.

The play also, “has a lighthearted atmosphere that helps engage the audience,” Kozeluh said.

Also noteworthy is the impressive three-story set. According to theatre design major Marcy Orellana, the stage crew worked vigorously since last semester to create a 35 foot high set. The set is specially lit to create six different apartments, making the audience feel as if they are looking in.

The play features a diverse cast of nine characters played by Phillip Beaupre, Ariel Begley, Greer Blaustein, Clare Brower, Andrew Jones, Laura Pierce, Lauren Powell, Kevin Rudny, and Pedro Willis-Barbosa.

“17 Tolbiac” makes its world premiere tonight and runs through Feb. 3; Feb. 7 through Feb. 10 at the O’Connell Theatre.

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