The Department of Theatre and Dance at Gustavus Adolphus College, in conjunction with the 2011 Nobel Conference, The Brain and Being Human, will present Mick Gordon and Paul Broks’ On Ego, on the Anderson Theatre stage Oct. 4, 7, 8 & 9.
At the same time a love story and a contemplation of the essential philosophical and identity issues dealing with “self,” On Ego asks the audience: Is there a “You” inside of you? Are you more than organic tissue and complex chemical and electrical interactions? If so, what is “You”?
A collaboration between neuropsychologist Broks and playwright Gordon, On Ego is a theatrical essay focusing on how the brain creates our sense of self. Directed by Henry MacCarthy, this emotional and intellectually stimulating production will open in Anderson Theatre at 8:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, as a part of the annual Nobel Conference. Additional performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 8, and 2 p.m. on Oct. 9 at 2:00 p.m.
On Ego plays on many of the themes that will be presented during the Nobel Conference. The complex ideas of neurology relating to the concepts of identity, memory, personality, and neurological delusion are clearly and cleverly explained through the compelling, personal love story of a neurologist and his wife. Although On Ego presents complex issues of science, the play is a powerful and painful display of love and loss. It encourages the audience to think about the brain simply as what it is, flesh and blood, and to question the supernatural forces that we generally associate with the power of the mind and the self.
The production features Chole Radcliffe ’12, the 2011 National Champion in Prose at the American Forensic Association’s National Tournament, Theatre Honors major Ben Kolis ’12, and sees the return to the Anderson stage of Professor Emeritus Rob Gardner. Under MacCarthy’s direction, Radcliffe, Kolis and Gardner will take the audience on this journey into the workings of the brain.
The design team includes scenic designer Micah Maatman, lighting and sound designer Terena M. Wilkens, and costume designer Larissa McConnell. The designers and director were inspired by imagery from science laboratories and 1950s science fiction films. Along with the design team, a new group of collaborators was welcomed into the production team. Three student dramaturges, all students in neuroscience, were involved in the process of developing the production. This interdisciplinary collaboration allowed these student scientists, Jean Paul Noel ’12, Andrew Lilja ’13, and Mikie Phan ’14, to participate in this Anderson Theatre production by sharing their scientific expertise with the artistic team.
Tickets for On Ego are available online at gustavustickets.com. Reserved seat tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. Gustavus staff and students are entitled to one ticket each at no charge. Tickets not sold in advance, will be available at the door one hour prior to the performance.
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