On Oct. 27-30, Samford University’s School of the Arts presented “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play” in the Boren Courtyard Theatre.
The play is a post-apocalyptic story that follows a group of survivors who, after a global disaster throws the entire world into darkness, try to remember and retell an episode of the TV show “The Simpsons.”
The song “Morning” by Beck played in the outdoor courtyard theatre as college students, alumni, families and older couples gathered for the show. Limited seats were provided for those who arrived early, and students brought blankets, chairs and even bean bags. Hot chocolate and snacks were provided to keep viewers warm.
The play utilized two separate locations. As the play began, the viewers were encouraged to turn their attention to the couch and campfire behind them to watch the first three acts. Viewers then turned their seats again for the final two acts and watched the student actors.
The play’s theme portrays how people try to hang onto their culture, and shows how entertainment and stories can be skewed and change through the years.
The production concluded with a standing ovation from the audience.
Sophomore Alex Browning enjoyed the innovative thought process and how different the play was.
“Everything about the show is unique, from the courtyard used, to the set, and even to the characters. It is interesting to see how the entertainment can “re-evolve” after the apocalypse,” said Browning.
Junior Sam McWhirter liked the experience and the story.
“It is a pretty brilliant way of showing how the art of storytelling can evolve and the importance of the silly shows we watch carry so much weight in how we interact with each other,” said McWhirter.
Sophomore Annabelle Anderson had never seen The Simpsons before. The telling of a show she had never seen gave her a unique experience.
“I have never seen The Simpsons before, so it was hard for me to understand the story’s plot at first,” said Anderson. “But the actors did a fantastic job in helping me understand the plot and scenery of The Simpsons. The acting felt like I was actually watching a conversation in real-time, I loved it.”
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