Reno’s Brüka Theatre takes audiences at this dark comedy to a post-apocalyptic future, where today's pop culture becomes tomorrow's currency.
In today's world, bathed in mass media, television, and more the argument goes: why see a play?
The avant garde story uniquely flips the question. If today's world of mass media and television abruptly ceased, what would people do with their memories of shows?
Located at the corner of N Virginia and W 1st, the unobservant eye may be quick to easily miss this simple gem of theater. Let not the humble exterior fool you – Brüka is more than meets the eye.
Entering the place, one finds a soft-lit, quaint space. Kind staff, seated from a lamp-lit check-in table greeted me and two friends as we arrived for the artists' night. We received program booklets, and a cheerful usher guided us around a corner to seating.
The spacious room seats 65, upon rows of homely dark couches or a choice of cinema-style chairs.
Not long after my party makes ourselves comfortable, a staff member greets us, and we exchange small talk. For those who drink, Brüka also offers a bar downstairs, popular during intermission.
The first act, set not far from the present, opens with a rugged group of survivors trying to find entertainment by retelling to each other an episode of The Simpsons: "Camp Feare." A quick viewing of the show could enrich the viewing experience, though even a passing familiarity would be enough.
Brüka performers excel in realizing their characters in the play. Even Simpsons voice imitations sound straight out of the television series. With the theater’s spot-on mood lighting, coupled with the audience’s proximity to the action, Brüka brings the action to life.
Particularly enjoyable was the immersion felt as characters gathered beside the audience to hear a battered traveler retell his story over the campfire. With a dimly-lit guard patrolling in the darkness beyond the set, one the audience could feel at once the terror of uncertain safety.
The experience could be likened to a Disney Land attraction.
Beyond the expected dystopian and comedic beats, Brüka brings a fantastic array of themes, from Western pop in Acapella to authentic Greek chorus. (Really!)
Witnessing it all come together in the third act is a marvel to behold. Simple nods to previous previous story beats delight the audience, and the gripping conclusion will be sure to leave a lasting impression.
For the literary types, "Mr. Burns" explores themes as fascinating as the fragility of memory and the mindsets of people forced to find loved ones in a twenty-first century robbed of mass communications. The thrilling show tells how cultures' origins are remembered, how histories develop over generations, and how entertainers compete to make ends meet in a lawless land not far from our own.
Off-stage, the cast was a delight to speak with, sharing deep passions and insights for the performing arts.
"Reno has a really emerging theater scene," said actor Scott Butler.
Whether seeking a deep thoughts or gripping thrills, you're sure to find them with "Mr. Burns." Brüka keeps audiences on their toes, while keeping, too, a comedic flare that finds fun even through the darkest times. Audiences walk away with an appreciation for not only the simple conveniences of everyday life, but also the faces of friends and loved ones.
“Mr. Burns, A Post-Eclectic Play” continues at Brüka Theatre now until June 25, 2016. For more information and show times, check out http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2545474 and http://www.bruka.org
