According to Northwestern production “BUG” director Aaron Simon Gross, Northwestern is lacking when it comes to thriller plays — something he hopes to remedy this weekend when Spectrum Theatre puts up Tracy Letts’ dark comedy.
In Gross’s own words, “Agnes, a lonely waitress hiding from her abusive ex-husband in a motel outside Oklahoma City, is joined by a young drifter who might be an AWOL Gulf War veteran. And then the bugs appear. Tracy Letts’ mind-bending tale of love, paranoia and government conspiracy is a psycho-thriller that mixes terror and laughter at a fever pitch.”
Producer Brandon Nadig couldn’t reveal much, but he did say technology will play a very interesting part in the show — and there will be some “rare opportunities to see gore involved.” Combined with a claustrophobic set, “BUG” promises to provide an intensely involved experience.
Gore and morbidness aside, the themes presented are ones Gross believes will resonate with students.
“I think it taps into some fears that I know I have as a college student,” Gross said.
Although the concepts may sound inaccessible, Nadig would disagree.
“It captures the psychosis of the characters alongside a wonderfully horrific journey, so it appeals to both the experienced theatergoer and those new to theater,” Nadig said.
The show runs Oct. 24 at 10 p.m. and Oct. 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in Shanley Pavilion. Entry is $5 for students and $10 for adults.
— Austin Busch and Rebecca Ehlers
