The Neo-Futurists are a group of performers from Chicago whose goal is to act out 30 different plays in just 60 minutes. Originally created as an ensemble for a specific show, the Neo-Futurists have grown to become one of the most well known experimental theater companies in America. The community at Lewis University openly received the act Feb. 24, and was awarded with a pizza from the group for providing a sold out show.
Six of the 14 members, Greg Allen, Eliza Burmester, John Pierson, Caitlin Stainken, Ryan Walters and Phil Ridarelli, came to Lewis to accomplish the feat of performing Neo-Futurist’s most- known show, “Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind,” written and directed by Allen, which first opened in 1988, making it the longest-running show in Chicago today. They provided a timer to keep a countdown for the show, which never stopped.
Even from the beginning, the audience was captivated and interacted with the performers. The order of the plays displayed were determined by the audience. Whichever name was shouted first was next in line.
One of the first plays showcased was “The Happiest Place on Earth,” where crazy dancing was performed not only by the six Neo-Futurists, but also an audience member.
“I really didn’t have a choice,” said freshman Jesse Hardacre, who was forced to be a part of the show. “It was pretty amazing and really fun.”
Most of the plays incorporated student participation. The play, “The Retard Game,” involved a game more commonly known as “Hot Hands” and Neo-Futurist Stainken chose Michael Friar to play along.
“It was very different and entertaining,” Friar said after the show. When asked how he thought he fared in the game, he said, “I lost horribly.”
Unfortunately, only 28 plays were completed by the time the buzzer sounded. However, since everyone was having so much fun, the performers decided to perform the final two anyway.
“It was so good that [my friends and I] want to go to the two and a half hour show [in Chicago] because one hour just isn’t enough,” said freshman Karina Carbajal.
For more information on the Neo-Futurists, performances and show times, visit their Web site, www.neofuturists.org.
Amanda Foresta, Staff ReporterContributions made by Nicole Zwartz, News Editor
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