Imagine that in the wake of a post-apocalyptic event, a group of
survivors gathers together and recalls the classic “Cape Feare”
episode from television’s “The Simpsons.” From their
recollections, this group evolves the tale into the foundation of
a new theatrical and musical artform – complete with commercials.
Playwright Anne Washburn has taken this concept to hilarious
heights in her wickedly funny “Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play,”
billed as a dark comedy with music.
Departing from where the headlines and media coverage left off,
Greg Pierotti’s B-More asks residents
of Baltimore to tell their stories. A multitude of perspectives
from youth, elders, activists, educators, police officers, and
the friends and neighbors of Freddie Gray all examine, defend, or
defy the racist structures that caused yet another death of a
black American citizen in an incident of police violence in their
community.
In the unique voice of choreographer Raissa Simpson (“Pushing The
Standard” – San Francisco Chronicle), Dancing in
Sepia becomes an eloquent examination of racial
representations on stage. Through probing permutations of past
imagery, resistance, inter-culturalism and Afrofuturism,
Simpson’s rolling set design adds to a stunning sensory landscape
for the dancers of UC Davis.
Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is performed by the
undergraduate acting company of Professor Peter Lichtenfels’ DRA
122B class on March 3-6 in Wright Hall’s Arena Stage. This
is a new take on the so-called ‘world’s greatest love story,’
calling forward the subtext of disillusioned youth in conflict
with hierarchy and authority. This performance is completely
supported by the work achieved in the class and opens a window
into the world of performance education at an advanced level.
Thu-Sat, Mar. 3-5, performances begin at 8pm, Sun, Mar. 6 is a
2pm matinee.
