Absurdist plays to take the stage this month

April 15, 2024
Exterior of McKay and playground area
Updated poster for Absurdist Alert

Two one-act plays that point out the bizarre, delightful and surreal nature of life will be presented as Fitchburg State University’s spring theater productions in April.

The performances, collectively known as “Absurdist Alert!” will be held in the Wallace Theater for the Performing Arts in the McKay Complex at 67 Rindge Road. Admission is free and open to the public.

  • “The Zoo Story,” written by Edward Albee and directed by Jo Nazro, is absurdist in mood and explores different themes of existentialism, isolation, loneliness, social disparity, and dehumanization in a materialistic American society. Scattered with suspense and provocative humor, the piece is a study of human behavior. 
  • “A Game,” written by Dennis E. Noble and directed by student Allison Thompson, is the story of three individuals who agree to participate in an experiment in which they are locked in a small room divided into three “equal” sections. Each section is given to one of the subjects and possesses a unique quality. Whenever the lights turn on, they must complete their only given task: stating ownership of their land. With every flick of the light switch, the subjects fight over their land. As they descend to madness, they showcase how far people are willing to go to be better than those around them.

The plays will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.

“Absurdist Alert!” is presented by the Communications Media Department.