New World Arts’ love-themed mainstage season turns to obsession this weekend as the theater opens Sam Shepard’s play “Fool for Love.”

The show follows the romantic pursuits of a cowboy and film stuntman named Eddie, played by Bryan Falcon, a Goshen resident and 1995 Goshen College alumnus. Another man, Martin, stands in the way of Eddie’s love for May, while a mysterious Old Man holds a secret that keeps them from being together.

“Shepard expertly weaves passion, obsession, betrayal and true love in a story that mirrors his own life in more ways than one,” New World teases in its promotional materials.

Director Laura Gouin focused on Shepard’s work for her creative thesis in her master’s in directing studies. Gouin noted that the script grew out of a period in the playwright’s life where he was balancing the emotional stresses of leaving his wife and the death of his father.

“It has been wonderful to get back to Shepard,” Gouin said. “He really is a romantic at heart. But a romantic can sometimes get caught up in the illusion of love, and that can make fools of us all.”

“Fool for Love” is the second production in New World’s eleventh season. The show opens on Friday and runs through April 19.

Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Student and senior tickets are available for $10. All other seats are $15. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 574-975-0311.