Welcome to ISU Theatre's 2022-2023 Season!
To view the full Department of Music and Theatre schedule, visit our Events calendar.
Polaroid Stories
by Naomi Iizuka
October 6-9, 2022 in Fisher Theater
General admission $20; youth and ISU students Free
A visceral blend of classical mythology and real life stories told by street kids, Naomi lizuka's Polaroid Stories journeys into a dangerous world where mythmaking fulfills a fierce need for transcendence, where storytelling has the power to transform a reality in which characters' lives are continually threatened, devalued and effaced. Inspired in part by Ovid's Metamorphoses, Polaroid Stories takes place on an abandoned pier on the outermost edge of a city in this spellbinding tale of young people pushed to society's fringe. Informed, as well, by interviews with young prostitutes and street kids, Polaroid Stories conveys a whirlwind of psychic disturbance, confusion and longing. Like their mythic counterparts, these modern-day mortals are engulfed by needs that burn and consume. Their language mixes poetry and profanity, imbuing the play with lyricism and great theatrical force.
Advisory: Contains adult language and content
Night of the Living Dead! The Musical!
By Jordan Wolfe
November 10-13, 2022 in Fisher Theater
General admission $25; youth and ISU students Free
Night of the Living Dead! The Musical! is a sidesplitting rock n' roll comedy sendup of the legendary 1968 zombie film. Facing a growing mob of strange, bloodthirsty creatures, three couples seek refuge in an abandoned house...but will they survive the night!? With an infectious original score Night of the Living Dead! The Musical! has been called this generation's Little Shop of Horrors!
Advisory: Contains adult language
Ten-Minute Play Festival
Produced by Theatre 455: Directing for the Stage Class
December 2 & 3, 2022 in Fisher Theater
General admission; Free for all
Every Year the ISU Theatre Directing Students get to choose, cast, and bring to life an exciting array of 10-minute plays by playwrights both new and old. What wild and crazy shows will they pick this year? We can’t wait to find out!
Advisory: Some plays may contain adult language and content
Barjché 23: Piece of Mind
Produced by Orchesis I
February 3 & 4, 2023 @ 7:30 pm, Fisher Theater
General admission. Adults $12; Students $10
Orchesis I Dance Company, from Iowa State University, produces this annual modern dance performance.
Forest of the Witch
A traditional Anatolian Shadow Puppet Play with guest artist Ayhan Hulagu
February 16 @ 6:00 pm, Memorial Union
General admission. Free. Running time: 45 minutes
ISU Theatre and ISU Lectures present The Forest of the Witch, a modern interpretation of a traditional Anatolian shadow play adapted and performed by Ayhan Hulagu. When Karagöz, the hero of traditional Anatolian shadow plays, cuts the branches from a magical tree, he is transformed into a series of animals, which leads to a comic sequence of adventures. Along the way, Karagöz and his sidekick Hacivat learn the importance of nature and protecting the environment. Hulagu has performed The Forest of the Witch on Broadway and in theatres across the country. For all ages.
The Somber Knight Don Quixote
A contemporary shadow puppet production based on Cervantes' Don Quixote with guest artist Ayhan Hulagu.
February 24 @ 7:30 pm, Fisher Theater
General admission. Free. Running time: 60 minutes
ISU Theatre and ISU Lectures present The Somber Knight Don Quixote, a modern shadow theatre production created and performed by Ayhan Hulagu based on Cervantes’ Don Quixote. In this new adaptation, the traditional characters of Anatolian shadow theatre, Hacivat and Karagöz, decide to transform into western icons Sancho Panza and Don Quixote. An original, adventurous, and entertaining story emerges as Don Quixote dons his sword and shield to declare war on the windmills once again. For all ages.
She Kills Monsters
By Qui Nguyen
March 30-April 2, 2023 in Fisher Theater
General admission $20; youth and ISU students Free
She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Advisory: This production features haze and flashing lights, and contains depictions and discussions involving: adult language; sexual references; death and dying; fantasy violence; an able-bodied actor portraying a disabled character; and homophobic bullying.
Student Fringe Festival
April 27-30, 2023
Various times and venues
ISU Theatre’s first Fringe Fest will present students with the opportunity to flex all their theatrical muscles! Operating much as a professional fringe fest does, this event will invite students from the whole university to submit project proposals that they then get to produce in one of our festival locations.