What happens when the usual ways we connect with one another are taken away? When uncontrollable circumstances upend our routines and lives? Little-Rock-based theatre company Firebrand Theatre Co hits the internet for its second production and tries to address just that. A mix of comedy and drama, Firebrand’s LIVE, virtual theatre event UNABLE_TO_CONNECT is a collection of four new, short plays written especially for online theatre and in response to our progressively digitally-interlaced lives.
UNABLE_TO_CONNECT will feature:
“Hey Stranger” by Steph Del Rosso
Years after a messy breakup, Eve and Gideon reunite. What could go wrong? Possibly everything. A comedy about mixed signals and bad internet, loneliness and autonomy. And one very precocious teenager.
“Intro to Fiction (Virtual)” by Ken Urban
During virtual office hours, a professor discusses his student’s latest short story. Her characters feel too close for comfort for the professor. Teacher and student must both reckon with how to write a good ending.
“Looking Back” by Arlene Hutton
Shannon was the last visitor to leave a major amusement park before the pandemic lockdown. While reminiscing online about life pre-Covid, two roommates challenge each other’s experiences and ideas of what truly makes a person happy.
“Boredom, Fear and Wine” by Craig Pospisil
When you’re stuck at home during a global pandemic, everything happens online—even therapy. Harper is suffering and can’t reconcile feelings about the terrifying disease with the monotony of lockdown. Jess tries to be a sympathetic ear, but the session goes off the rails.
UNABLE_TO_CONNECT will perform LIVE for two performances only, Sept. 25 and 26, @ 8pm on Zoom. Tickets are $10 for individuals and $18 for “watch parties.” Instructions to access the online performance—including your passcode to access live stream—will be distributed via email. Questions can be sent to [email protected].
***Contains some mature language.***