Have you ever pondered the apocalypse and wondered how society and culture might evolve when everything you know and love is destroyed? If so, then you are not alone. Upon hearing of a show entitled Mr Burns, I pictured an innocent Simpsons-esque show and being entertained by everyone’s favourite family. The reality was far from this.
Imara Savage directs Anne Washburn’s creative and unique imagining of a post-apocalyptic and post-electric world. A theme that is all too common in the modern day is re-examined in this thought-provoking play. It becomes not how do we survive the apocalypse, but what happens when we have survived? What else will survive? How will it affect life and society as we know it?
Focusing on the manner in which stories have always evolved the plot of Mr Burns develops in a similar vein. Our heroes, shocked and starting from scratch in their brave new world, tell each other comforting stories around a campfire to amuse and, most importantly, to distract.
Given that the world has just ended, the only thing that everyone can cling to, and find comfort in is the mundane – well-known and loved television shows like The Simpsons, as well as popular songs and ads. In a world post-electricity and without many of our creature comforts, the protagonists are given the chance to reinvent themselves, their histories, and our stories and culture. Instead they cling to comfort and consumerism.
The stories are retold, acted out and eventually take on lives of their own. Thus the play takes us on a journey of the evolution of stories and culture. It explores the meaning of entertainment and our constant yearning for a richer sense of reality.
If there’s one play you hadn’t expected to see or love but definitely should, Mr Burns could be it. The unlikely mix of pop entertainment and haute couture is confronting, provoking, and incredibly original.
– Elli
Elli de Ryckman de Betz writes and spends her spare time pondering the big questions in life like, what skills would put me in best stead to survive the apocalypse?
Mr Burns runs 19 May – 25 June 2017 upstairs at Belvoir St Theatre. Buy tickets now.
The venue is accessible venue.
