The Department of Theatre at MSU will perform the psychological thriller, BUG, in the Arena Theatre from March 26 – April 4.
The main characters in Tracy Letts' BUG are deeply mistrustful of anyone based on their personal past traumas. It is only through the recognition of each other's pain that they can gain trust.
MFA graduate students Zev Steinberg and Jacqueline Wheeler take the stage at MSU for the final time as they perform their culminating thesis roles. As trust is a theme in this production, it has also had an impact on the process between director Rob Roznowksi and his small cast of five, including the graduate actors. In the intimate setting of the Arena Theatre, rehearsals progressed each night through challenging scene work, improvised blocking and complete trust in one another.
Inspired by the process of the actors as well as the mental state of the characters, the department has planned a talkback related to Mental Health Awareness with the cast of Bug on April 2.
Performances will take place on the following dates:
- March 27 at 8 p.m.
- March 28 at 2 p.m.
- March 28 at 8 p.m.
- March 29 at 2 p.m.
- April 1 at 7:30 p.m.
- April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
- April 3 at 8 p.m.
- April 4 at 2 p.m.
There will be a pre-show discussion at 1:15 p.m. on March 29 with director Rob Roznowski and a post-show discussion on April 2 on mental health awareness.
Tickets are available from the Wharton Center box office, 1-800-WHARTON or www.whartoncenter.com. The Arena Theatre box office opens one hour prior to each performance with house doors opening 30 minutes prior. General admission is $10.