51茶馆

Secret Life of Humans

By David Byrne
Directed by Patricia Riggin

October 17-20, 2024
Main Stage

Synopsis

A mysterious locked room, an awkward Tinder date, ethical dilemmas, the history of mankind.听Secret Life of Humans听gives us perspective on where we鈥檝e come from, where we are now, and where we鈥檙e going. Inspired in part by Jacob Bronowski鈥檚听The Ascent of Man, David Byrne鈥檚 play asks us to ponder important questions. Is humanity continuing to ascend or did it veer off-track long ago? This play 鈥渟ees theatre as a place to tell stories and interrogate myths; one where we can use our imaginations to make the future. Which may just save us.鈥澨齌he Guardian.

Pippin

By Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Luke Jorgensen

November 20-24, 2024
Main Stage

Synopsis

As told by a traveling troupe of actors led by the captivating Leading Players, Pippin is the story of a young prince, heir to the throne, who is searching for his life鈥檚 purpose. Pippin tries war, dating, and politics, only to discover that true happiness is more complicated than he thought. With music by Stephen Schwartz, Pippin听is a humorous allegory about growing up and a cautionary tale about empty promises.

Accidental Death of An Anarchist

By Dario Fo
Directed by Tyler Dean 鈥�25

February 20-23, 2025
Bonn Studio Theatre

Synopsis

Accidental Death of an Anarchist听is a biting satire based on the true story of Giuseppe Pinelli, a suspected anarchist who "fell" to his death from a Milanese police headquarter in 1969. The play uses farce and physical comedy to examine our relationship with justice, government, and oppressive systems. Designed and directed by Boston College students.

A New Devised Play Inspired by Macbeth

Devised by Dawn Meredith Simmons, 2024-2025 Monan Professor of Theatre Arts, from William Shakespeare鈥檚 Macbeth.

March 20-23, 2025
Bonn Studio Theatre

Synopsis

Three witches make a prophecy to general Macbeth that he will be king. Rather than waiting for the prophecy to unfold, Macbeth takes matters into his own hands to kill the king and take his place. Paranoia, division, and ultimately war break out among all.

This new devised piece will take inspiration from Macbeth while creating an entirely new work involving the students in the department鈥檚 Devising class.

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Courtney Mohler

April 24-27, 2025

Synopsis

This far out take on the classic comedy is set in late 1960s San Francisco, where the Forest of Arden is refuge to counter-cultural peace-niks. After Orlando falls in love with Rosalind, her autocratic uncle banishes her to the forest, where she disguises herself as a boy. Orlando, fleeing an attempt on his life by his power-hungry brother, finds her in Arden but is fooled by her disguise. Meanwhile, others in the forest find themselves embroiled in unrequited love鈥攊ncluding a love triangle between Rosalind-as-Ganymede, the shepherd Silvius, and Phoebe. Accompanied by a live rock band, the characters move between Shakespeare's heightened language and groovy 60s music as they imagine a less corrupt, less patriarchal, more peaceful world. This production will feature songs by Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, the Doors, and The Byrds and more!