Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play

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Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play is a dark comedy play written by Anne Washburn. The play premiered in May 2012 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. and has since been produced by several other theaters. The play is notable for its unique structure and its exploration of how stories evolve over time.

Plot

The play is divided into three acts, each set in a different time period following a global catastrophe that has wiped out most of the human population and the electrical grid.

Act I

The first act takes place shortly after the collapse of civilization. A group of survivors gather around a campfire and attempt to recall the details of the "Cape Feare" episode of The Simpsons. This act explores themes of memory, trauma, and the human need for storytelling.

Act II

The second act is set seven years later. The same group of survivors has formed a traveling theater company that specializes in performing episodes of The Simpsons. This act delves into the commercialization of culture and the ways in which stories are adapted and changed over time.

Act III

The third act takes place 75 years in the future. The story of the "Cape Feare" episode has evolved into a grand, operatic myth. This act examines the role of myth and ritual in society and how stories can become distorted over time.

Themes

Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play explores several themes, including the resilience of human culture, the importance of storytelling, and the ways in which stories change and evolve over time. The play also touches on themes of memory, trauma, and the commercialization of culture.

Production History

The play premiered at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in May 2012. It has since been produced by several other theaters, including Playwrights Horizons in New York City and the Almeida Theatre in London.

Reception

Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play has received generally positive reviews from critics. It has been praised for its originality, its thought-provoking themes, and its unique structure. Some critics have noted that the play's unconventional format may not appeal to all audiences.

Related Pages

• The Simpsons
• Cape Feare
• Anne Washburn
• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
• Playwrights Horizons
• Almeida Theatre