Photography: Ben Redshaw
Sean Aydon directs the final year BA (Hons) Acting students in a powerfully unnerving adaptation of Anne Washburn’s ‘Mr Burns, A Post-Electric Play’, courtesy of Manchester School of Theatre. The play follows American survivors following an apocalyptic nuclear disaster, trying to remember an episode of The Simpsons.
Gathering around a campfire, a small group opens the show. The intensity in the scene is clear; their discussion is lighthearted, but they appear unable to relax. Connected through the episode of ‘Cape Feare’, the strangers open up to one another, dropping in hints of context to the nature of the apocalypse. When another survivor enters the stage, the group pulls out weapons in panic. Then follows a desperately sad scene telling of searches for lost loved-ones and unanswered questions.
Brought forward seven years, we see the group now working as a travelling theatre company. This act is addictive, with underivative costumes adding to the hilariously garish musical numbers. Although there are undertones of deep loss, it’s not hard to see how much fun the team have had working on this. Nejc Lisjak as Gibson delivers an intense and emotive display of panic at losing his memory.
Upon re-entering the Manchester Metropolitan University theatre for the final act, the room is transformed by Chloe Wyn’s incredible set design. The backdrop took three weeks to build, using her own handprints to paint every section of the stage. 75 years on from the first scene, the show closes with a musical debut, based on ‘Cape Feare’.
While the story has lost most of its connection to the original play, we see a similar grapple to understand the new world within the context of the character’s memories. A notable difference is Sideshow Bob, who has been replaced by the evil nuclear-plant owner Mr Burns. Costume design is impeccable, a chorus of students enter in primitive clothing and uncanny white eyelids. The Simpsons themselves are donning Greek tragedy-inspired masks.
Assistant director Lara Rose Hancox told us that while musicals typically get six weeks to prepare, the team had only five: “The fact they managed to pull this off is incredible and a testament to MST, the students just have so much passion and talent.”
Filled with musical references, from Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ to Eminems ‘Lose Yourself’, the act is hysterically unsettling. Through the passage of time, we see the narrative become intertwined with the characters. Simple concepts of love and hate are tackled as the survivors create a world they can comprehend through theatre. The resulting production is poignant yet truly insane, serving as a reminder that our stories always survive us.
Mr Burns completes the Autumn season for Manchester School of Theatre.
For all highlights of the shows and information on future productions, check out the MST website and follow @mst_acting
Featured image: Isabelle Dargue A powerful new film documenting Manchester’s Lights Up movement will premiere at The Savoy Cinema on 9 March as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. Lights Up is a free, community-led event organised by Bee Pedal Ready and Station South in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, We Are Cycling UK, MCRActive,…
Featured image: David Lindsay Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow will return to the decks for a special guest vinyl DJ set at The Garden Bar in Chorlton later this month. Chow, known for his distinctive geometric minimalist portraits of figures from Manchester and wider pop culture, is returning to his roots with an exclusive free DJ…
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Leave a reply