To find a Greek chorus in a play set during the ’60s and ’70s is something that would have most theatergoers surprised. This, coupled with serious sexual abuse issues, can be found in the most recent ISU Theatre production, “How I Learned to Drive.”

The five-actor play follows the complex relationship between characters Li’l Bit, played by Laura Williams, senior in performing arts, and Uncle Peck, played by Marty Ellenberger, motion media production specialist for Iowa State.

A three-member modern Greek chorus completes the cast. Director Patrick Gouran said this technique allows the audience to have more insight into the characters and the story.

Ellenberger said he finds that the play can be unsettling, with part of the story focused on a woman who was sexually abused by her uncle over several years.

“It adds to the mood of the play. There are a couple of places where the chorus speaks what is on Bit’s mind,” Ellenberger said.

Gouran said although the play deals with pedophilia, it allows the audience to have insight into both the victim and perpetrator.

“We get some view of the individuals beyond what we see in the newspaper,” he said.

Ellenberger said the play is not sympathetic to Peck’s actions, but it shows that not all events are one-sided. He said the author shows this relationship between Bit and Peck has complexity on both sides.

Gouran said the characters’ complexities are an imperative part of the play.

“We learn Li’l Bit is not completely innocent. We discover greater complexity in her,” he said.

Peck’s infatuation with Bit begins when she is 11 years old and Bit gets attention from him that she gets nowhere else. As Bit matures, she begins to question her uncle’s motives.

“He becomes more and more obsessed with her as time goes on,” Ellenberger said.

The play follows Bit from when she is 11 years old until she reaches her 40s, but the majority of the play is set between 1965 and 1969. Gouran said that although some of the characters’ conversations are affected by this setting, the play is a timeless story.

“It could happen anywhere, anytime,” he said.

The unique story is accompanied by a unique setting at the Maintenance Shop, a venue usually not booked for ISU Theatre events. Gouran hopes that performing in the smaller venue will add to the audience’s experience and help them to be a part of the issues.

“Performing at the M-Shop works well because the play does not use many props or scenery,” he said.

“While the play takes place in a variety of areas, they’re attempting to do that with sounds and lighting.”

Ellenberger said the M-Shop allows the audience to become more involved in the play, and thinks that performing with the bare essentials allows for a better connection between the actors and audience.

“It’s really a much more intimate environment . you have to rely on acting more and the characters become more real,” he said.

In the end, Gouran said he hopes the audience will walk away with the understanding that theater can deal with serious issues.

“This topic is worthy of investigation of an audience,” he said.