Pulley & Buttonhole Theatre Company is excited to announce the Philadelphia-area premiere of Anne Washburn’s Mr. Burns, a post-electric play. Performances are scheduled for October 21, 22 and 28 at 8pm andOctober 29 at 2pm at Homestead Hall, 821 Homestead Road in Jenkintown.
In Mr. Burns, a post-electric play, author Anne Washburn explores the role of story and pop culture in society, and the importance of “finding your tribe.” After the collapse of civilization, a group of survivors share a campfire and begin to piece together the plot of “The Simpsons” episode “Cape Feare” entirely from memory. Seven years later, this and other snippets of pop culture (commercials, jingles, and pop songs) have become the live entertainment of a post-apocalyptic society, trying desperately to hold onto, or recreate “normal” life. 75 years later, these cultural touchstones are the myths and legends from which new forms of performance are created.
Bridget Reilly Beauchamp, Artistic Director of Pulley & Buttonhole is directing the production. She says, “Mr. Burns is about the big ‘what-if.’ How do you go on, when, to quote the play, ‘hope is hopeless?’ How do you find your people and your purpose when everything you know is gone? So much of how we relate to the world is through pop culture—there are days when I think my children communicate solely through memes—it’s natural that our survivors turn to TV to connect with one another. Just about everyone knows the Simpsons, even if they’ve never seen an episode.”
The production is made possible through the generous support of the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, Jenkintown.
For tickets and information, visit www.
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