The Binghamton University theater department’s last studio show of the semester, “True West,” a play written by Sam Shepard, premieres at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Gruber Theatre and plays through Dec. 4.

This classic American play focuses on two sons, of a desert-dwelling alcoholic and a bourbon wanderer, who clash over a film script. Austin, the successful son, is working on a script he has just sold to producer Sal Kimmer when his screw-up of a brother, Lee, a petty thief, drops in. Lee decides to pitch his own idea for a movie to Kimmer, who then wants Austin to desert his modern love story and write Lee’s trashy western tale.

Alex Kornberg, a senior majoring in management, plays the achiever, Austin. He describes the play as a comedy with very dramatic undertones. Kornberg’s favorite scene is the final one, which he explains to be powerful, gritty and absolutely frightening.

“It brings me to such an extreme place both physically and mentally that even after the play has finished it takes me about 10 minutes to calm down,” Kornberg said.

Kornberg believes Sam Shepard is a genius playwright and that the story is brilliantly crafted, depicting a true portrayal of the relationship between two brothers and their family.

Director Aaron Rubinstein, a senior majoring in theater, feels that students should come see “True West” because it is a play that is universally relatable.

“The play is so real,” Rubinstein said. “It deals with issues we all face in all of our families, no matter who we are. Everyone at some point in his or her lives can relate to Austin or Lee. The feelings of inadequacy, the wanting to be the best child we can be, sibling competition and the fact that a lot of it comes from a place of love.”

Rubinstein has previously directed “A Doll’s House” and “Ashes to Ashes,” and is hoping he can do justice for Sam Shepard’s play. Suzannah Herschkowitz, a senior majoring in human development, plays Austin and Lee’s mother in “True West” and said Rubinstein, though still a student, is a very professional director.

“He puts a lot of passion into the project, and cares about the actors’ process,” Herschkowitz said. “He allowed us to play a lot, which I always appreciate in a director.”

Tickets for “True West” are $3 and can be purchased at the door.