Contagion: Or, The Sad Case of a Performance Art Critic

This past November the Department of Communication Studies presented “Contagion: Or, The Sad Case of a Performance Art Critic” for a two week sold out run in the department’s burgeoning performance space.  Directed by Dr. Justin Trudeau, and first adapted for the stage by Craig Gingrich-Philbrook, “Contagion” is based on the short story, “The Sad Case of a Dramatic Critic,” by H.G. Wells. 

The story centers on a young man, Egbert Cummins, who works at a newspaper called “The Fiery Cross.” One day, Egbert’s boss hands him a new assignment: he is to be the new performance art critic for the paper. The problem is that Egbert has never seen performance art, or even been to the theater before, because he was taught to believe that the theater and performance are immoral, and that performance artists are “sick.” As Egbert begins attending various performances, he begins to suspect that he has contracted some sort of disease or virus, one that is causing him to lose his sense of self, and that the only recourse he may have will be to become a performer himself.

Contagion Cast

Wild Ducks Flying Backward
Directed by Dr. Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau, with Cast

Wild Ducks cast in character

Darkness at Sunset and Vine
www.dasav.net
Directed by Dr. Kelly Taylor