Over the last decade, Adams State University Theatre Professor Jenna Neilsen has traveled with theatre students to Chicago on three different occasions. In the Windy City, students are exposed to a variety of professional theatre, from traditional to improv, and Neo-Futurism. This spring, Neilsen brings to Alamosa, 30 Neo-Futurist Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 plays in 60 minutes). The production opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12 and continues nightly through Friday, March 15, on the Xperimental Stage.
“Overall the production creates a joyful, fast-paced evening,” Neilsen said. Neo-futurism is an example of another type in the theatrical spectrum. The Chicago Neo-Futurist (who coined the name) has been performing since it was established in 1988. “Clearly this genre of theatre is feeding something audiences want to see.”
Each play lasts 2 minutes and the order they are performed is determined by the audience, who select from a menu of the plays and call out their choice; every evening the order changes. The actors won’t know the number of their play, until the director or stage manager informs them just before they are to perform that piece. “It lends to an excitement backstage as the actors are on their toes waiting and asking, ‘what comes next?’”
The clock is preset at the start of the first play and counts down. After 60 minutes the production ends, whether or not all plays are presented. The 30 plays run the gamut: funny, social commentary, absurdism, relationships, political, and self-revelation. “If you don’t enjoy what you are watching, wait two minutes and another completely different play will begin.”
Along with a general desire to bring this exciting type of theatre to Adams State, Neilsen said her department wanted to begin initiatives this semester that create the idea of collaboration and inclusion. “In the world of theatre, performers can get lost in the shuffle of competition. When in truth, theatre is ultimately the best when pursued as a collaborative art.”
She let theatre students sign-up for the characters and plays, rather than hold auditions. Neilsen then began the process of choosing which 30 plays to produce making sure every actor will be a lead in their play of choice. Seventeen signed up, including Dr. John Taylor, professor and director of theatre, and David Gerke, assistant professor of theatre.
Actors play themselves, wearing their own street clothes in Neo-futurism. “The main caveat for Neo-futurist productions is actors speaking from an honest point of view,” Nielsen added. “The Neo-futurists stress honesty, brevity, and speed in their performances and we will do the same.”
In some plays, audience members may be asked to voluntarily participate. It isn’t mandatory. “Every time I have seen a Neo-futurist production, it makes me excited about performance,” Neilsen said. “It really is a fun evening.”
Due to adult language and subject matter the production is rated PG-13. Tickets go on sale March 4 and are $10 for general public, $9 for seniors and students, and free to Associated Students and Faculty with current Adams State identification. The Box Office is open from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 719-587-8499.
