The effect of social media on our lives and relationships is the main theme in “The Opportunities of Extinction.” Throughout this play, a few other relevant themes such as global warming and chronic illness reveal themselves. The characters of Mel, Arjun and Georgia explore these themes while visiting the Mojave Desert.
The setting takes place at a camping site in the Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. The set in Madden Theatre includes asteroids and the moon hanging above the stage. Also shown are the telltale signs of a campsite: a tent, picnic table and contained fire pit. The sounds of crickets, coyotes and other natural noises immerse the audience in the same environment as the characters.
Attempting to take a break from social media by camping in the desert, Mel and Arjun meet Georgia. She is a Youth Conservation Corps member who has knowledge of the Joshua Tree and insight into a long-term perspective. She guides the characters and audience to examine their own perspectives on many of the themes presented. All three characters must come to terms with hardships and tragedies in their personal and/or professional lives. Through authentic and oftentimes highly emotional conversations with each other, Mel, Arjun and Georgia re-examine their lives and connect despite setbacks in their personal stories.
The show is written by Sam Chanse and directed by Chicago-based guest artist, Kristen Osborn. The cast and crew are all NCC students. Prop designer Nicolette Pilalis, ’22, said, “The process of working on this show from first rehearsal to (opening night) has been amazing. Seeing so many aspects come to life one step at a time was an awesome experience.”
The efforts of cast and crew combine on stage to create a timely storytelling experience.
The cast and crew are raising donations for the National Parks Restoration Fund, which was created in January to help restore parks like Joshua Tree from vandalism and fires that damaged the parks during the recent government shutdown.
The show runs Feb. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 9 and 10 at 2 p.m.
