Shrouded in mystery, intrigue, and the reality of human relationships, this semester’s UOG Theatre performance, Hook, Cheat, and Repeat, features eight one-act plays and premieres at the University of Guam Fine Arts Theater on Nov. 12.

The unique aspect of this semester’s selection is that five of the one-act plays were also written by members of the UOG community, said Serf Mannaky, a junior theater major and communication minor directing A Sure Thing by David Ives.

“Each play has an element of hooking up, cheating, and repetition,” Mannaky said. “We all chose our own plays and tried to find a similar element to everything, and we came up with Hook, Cheat, and Repeat.”

Jesse Mantanona, a junior theater major also minoring in communication, chose to direct the play Scheme written by UOG alumni John Borja.

“When I read his play, there is no better way to say it than I just loved it,” Mantanona said. “It revolves around a topic that relates to all.”

Scheme is about a divorced couple who tries to reconcile the events that lead to their separation, “or at least that’s what I want you to think,” smirked Mantanona.

Athena Meno, a senior double majoring in theater and English literature and minoring in women and gender studies, is directing Honor Thy Meal, written by current senior communications major and writing minor Mariah Ramos.

“When I read Honor Thy Meal, I could see it being staged,” Meno said. “It’s so off-the-wall with an unexpected twist.”

Meno said she enjoys the cohesiveness of theater—how the work of many hands comes together to create one grand production.

“It’s a beautiful creative process seeing everything come together from the beginning to the very end,” she said. “You’re implementing something you’ve read in text. It’s not just in your head. It’s becoming reality.”

Mantanona said studying theater at UOG gave him the chance to explore his passions and helped define his career path.

“Stumbling onto the theater program, I think I’ve grown as a person,” he said. “It helped me to fully see my options in what I can do and gives me a chance to explore.”

Hook, Cheat, and Repeat showtimes are at 7 p.m. from Nov. 12 to 14 and 19 to 21. The cost is $10 for general admission and $7.50 for senior citizens and students. The cost is free for UOG and Guam Community College students.