Theatre UCF presents Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist classic, Rhinoceros, a sharp and satirical exploration of societal pressures and the power of individuality. The production will run November 14th – 24th, 2024, in the black box theatre.
In a sleepy provincial town, an ordinary day turns extraordinary when a rhinoceros rampages through the streets, shocking the townspeople. Soon, this bizarre occurrence becomes more than an anomaly as residents transform, one by one, into rhinoceroses, swept up in a mass cultural phenomenon. At the center of this unfolding chaos stands Berenger, an unremarkable man who must grapple with his own identity and the cost of resisting conformity as those around him fall in line.
Through humor and horror, Ionesco’s Rhinoceros addresses urgent themes of totalitarianism, the seduction of mass movements, and the struggle for self-preservation in a world increasingly driven by blind conformity. Theatre UCF’s production will immerse audiences in a visually captivating experience, using inventive design and dynamic staging to bring Ionesco’s absurd vision to life. Directed by Chloë Rae Edmonson, Theatre UCF’s rendition of Rhinoceros brings fresh insight to Ionesco’s classic, emphasizing the timeless relevance of its themes. Edmonson leads a talented cast and crew in creating an immersive atmosphere that challenges audiences to reflect on the power of individuality in the face of collective pressure.
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