Huskies sure like to explore. Students explore fields of study at Michigan Technological University. And some even explore their talents on stage. Set to open the curtains tomorrow night, the Michigan Tech Theater will explore the story of men on boats. The 2013 play was directly inspired by the journals written by John Wesley Powell, when he led an expedition of the Colorado River in 1869. But the play was originally written with a small twist, in which none of the characters are portrayed by white men.
Nich Radcliffe, Director the Michigan Tech Theater Performance Program, adds Men on Boats is a comedy. Breaking away from some of the more dramatic and dark productions he’s directed in the past. He says the way the 2013 play is written, the script plays with symbiotic casting. Subverting the audience’s expectations.
How does that change the way you receive the story? And how does it change some of the other things that might come up for you? How does a line said by me, a white man standing there on stage, land for you, Radcliffe said, versus one of these cast members that isn’t a white man saying the exact same thing? It’s fascinating and it’s a really exciting experience. For both audience and actors to, as you said, explore this.
Men on Boats is a humorous and physical performance recounting 10 men’s journey over the uncharted Colorado River rapids through the Grand Canyon. Michigan Tech Theater’s exploration of Men on Boats begins tonight inside the McArdle Theatre inside the Walker Arts and Humanities Center. The production will open at 7;30, and each night following until the final show on Friday.
Those interested in learning more about the Michigan Tech Theater production of Men on Boats can find more details here.
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