It’s fair to say most adults have experienced heartbreak at least once in their lifetime. However, given enough time and perspective, looking back at the actions taken when in the throes of love can bring about a wry smile or self-deprecating chuckle.
The final production of the Adams State University Theatre spring season, “Stupid F*cking Bird,” lifts the curtain on the most absurd and extreme measures taken when swept up in the passion of love. Written by Aaron Posner and directed by George McConnell, Ph.D., the production opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 in the Adams State Theatre Building San Luis Valley Federal Bank Main Stage. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. April 27, and May 3 and 4; with a 2 p.m. matinee scheduled for May 5.
The script is a favorite of the students. “When I announced I would be directing Stupid F*cking Bird a cheer went up among theatre majors.” Posner sort-of-adapted the show based on the great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” written in 1896. Chekhov wrote the comedy in a new style at the time. “Stupid F*cking Bird” turns back time and uses the overtly theatrical approach that Chekhov purposely avoided.
“Stupid F*cking Bird” tells the same story as “The Seagull,” including the lovesick hero’s misguided attempt to win his unrequited beloved by shooting a seagull. “It is a very different way to tell the similar story,” Dr. McConnell said. “Both plays focus on heartbreak, when love is just at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
The play includes seven characters, four in their early 20s. “The play is character driven,” Dr. McConnell adds. “They are caught up in their own emotions and with little to no awareness of others’ feelings.”
Although the actors address the audience, Dr. McConnell says it is not an entirely interactive play. “It’s an opportunity, post Covid, to take advantage of everyone being in the same room.”
As part of his senior thesis, theatre major Carson Leaf plays a local indie soft boy, a tortured young artist, madly in love. “Carson has really developed and risen to the challenge of approaching his craft in a different manner,” Dr. McConnell said. “Anyone who has experienced heartache will identify with his character.”
According to McConnell, “Stupid F*cking Bird” is metatheatrical. “It only exists when it is performed – it draws attention to itself as a play. And most of all, it’s a play about love, the good and the bad, and the ridiculousness of love.”
Dr. McConnell designed the set and students designed the other elements, using the color palette blue, silver, white, black and grey. Kaelin Mottley is the costume designer, as part of her senior thesis. Anthony Sisneros designed the lighting.
Tickets are $13 for general public and free to Associated Students and Faculty (AS&F) with current Adams State I.D. Purchase tickets online. For telephone or in-person ticket orders, the box office number is 719-587-8499. The box office is open from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. AS&F tickets for faculty, staff, and students must be ordered through the box office.
Due to adult language, partial nudity, intimate moments with sexually charged scenes, viewer discretion is advised.
