From BGSU OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Bowling Green State University’s Department of Theatre and Film will present Anne Washburn’s “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play,” in the Thomas B. and Kathleen M. Donnell Theatre at the Wolfe Center for the Arts for one weekend only, Nov. 21-24.
This epic play investigates what it means to remember and considers how survivors of traumatic events use cultural memory to hang onto their humanity. “Mr. Burns” explores how the pop culture of one era evolves into the mythology of succeeding generations. It opens in a place and time not far from our own and follows the collapse of civilization due to nuclear fallout. A group of survivors comes together around a campfire and from memory happens to piece together the plot of “The Simpsons’” episode “Cape Feare” in a vague attempt to find some common ground.
Jumping to seven years later, those memories of “Cape Feare” and other snippets of pop culture (sitcom plots, commercials, jingles and pop songs) have solidified into cultural commodities that reveal the survivors’ longing for past amenities lost after the apocalypse.
The time shifts again to 75 years later where the vestigial memories of “The Simpsons’” episode have morphed into myth and legend that now serve to bind the community. As a result, new forms of performance emerge showcasing Bart Simpson’s resilience against Mr. Burns through the ages.
Dr. Jonathan Chambers, professor of theatre and film, directs the production, assisted by doctoral student Cody Page. The production is musically directed by Jared Dorotiak and is choreographed by undergraduate student Kayleigh Hahn. “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play” features costume design by Margaret McCubbin, scenic design and properties by Kelly Mangan, and lighting design by Steve Boone. The cast includes Harmon Andrews, Finnegan Burres, Alyx Fisher, Belle Starr Johnson, Victoria Norland, Lorna Patterson, Jacob Stoliker, Nicole Tuttle and an ensemble of undergraduate students. The production is stage managed by undergraduate student Kate Taylor.
Performances will be held in the Thomas B. and Kathleen M. Donnell Theatre at The Wolfe Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Nov. 21-23 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24.
Discounted tickets purchased in advance are $5 for students, $10 for seniors and $15 for other adults. Student tickets are $10 on the day of performance, all others are $20 on the day of performance. Tickets can be purchased through the BGSU Arts Box Office in the Wolfe Center for the Arts, online at bgsu.edu/arts or by calling 419-372-8171. Advance discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Parking is free in Lot N.
