Returning to fortyfivedownstairs after a sold out season, Lightning Jar Theatre presents Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play, delighting and confusing the audience with the manic retelling of a Simpsons episode.
Beginning in the stark aftermath of an apocalyptic event, the characters desperately try to piece together the plot of “Cape Feare” a wondrous episode that encapsulates the Simpson’s ability to merge genre’s, combining musical, film parody, comedy and drama in the ultimate example of postmodernism.
It’s the perfect episode for these survivors to put back together as they attempt to put back together their lives, and, over time develop a sense of community in the wake of a new civilisation. You don’t need to be a Simpsons fan to enjoy the show, as it merely works as a backdrop to the bigger social evolution taking place. Writer Anne Washburn’s darkly comedic script is a bizarrely entertaining futuristic version of humanity, and is delivered with precision by the cast. An ensemble piece, it was less of a case of standing out, and more that the entire cast were connected that made this production so strong.
Directed by John Kachoyan, the audience was helpfully given clues as the changing time periods, of without, would have been completely lost. The dramatic shift during interval when the audience were directed to wait outside was an elaborate transformation somewhere between Liberace’s dream house and a Shakespearean tragedy.
Complemented beautifully by Michael Friedman’s score, Mr Burns. A post-electric play is the ultimate game of Chinese whispers, and an example of how history and culture can be interpreted, altered and made to fit a social ideology.
Mr. Burns, a post-electric play is a remarkable piece of theatre unlike anything I’ve seen before. It’s quirky, odd and at times very familiar; check it out if you like some apocalypse with your pop-culture.
Lightning Jar Theatre presents
Mr Burns: A Post-Electric Play
by Anne Washburn
Director John Kachoyan
Venue: fortyfivedownstairs | 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
Dates: 1 – 19 March 2019
Tickets: $37 – $42
Bookings: 03 9662 9966 | www.fortyfivedownstairs.com
