The Machine Stops

E.M. FORSTER'S 1909 SCIENCE FICTION ALLEGORY

In an imagined future where everyone lives alone in identical, underground cells, having all their needs provided for by a multi-functional, omnipresent machine, people have abandoned public gathering and physical touch in favor of communicating with each other via The Machine’s video interface system. When Vashti's son Kuno calls her from his cell on the other side of the world, her life is turned upside-down when he asks to meet in person to tell her something face to face, "not through The Machine."

Through a combination of live acting, puppetry and video projections, this production uses expressive theatricality to vividly bring Forster’s futuristic allegory to life on stage.

THE MACHINE STOPS is directed & adapted by Kevin Ray and devised in collaboration with Augustus W. Cook II, Jon DeGaetano, Deb Hertzberg, Alyssa Korol, Ian McNally, Henry Menestrier, Uki Pavlovic, Rachel Rhea Shannon, John Teresi, Lya Yanne & Yang Yu.

Strobe lighting effects and haze are used in this production.

This production is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up.

All tickets must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite. There will not be a cash box office at the venue. Patrons unable to make online purchases may request other accommodations 24 hours before the performance they would like to attend by clicking this link to send an email.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Director: Kevin Ray

Projection Design: Jon DeGaetano

Puppet Direction & Design: Deb Hertzberg

Costume Design: Alyssa Korol

Original Music: Ian McNally

Scenic & Props Design: Yang Yu

Production Stage Manager: Henry Menestrier

CAST:

Vashti: Rachel Rhea Shannon

Kuno: Uki Pavlovic

Chorus & Air-Ship Attendant: Lya Yanne

Chorus & Traveler: Jon Teresi

Chorus & Lecturer: Augustus W. Cook II

The Machine Stops is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council. Funding also made possible by Broadway Green Alliance.

ABOUT THE MARK O'DONNELL THEATER

While in the theater, audience masks are recommended but not required. The Mark O'Donnell Theater supports the decision of the individual to attend either masked or unmasked, urges understanding and grace, and encourages a sense of personal responsibility and safety to guide the decision of each guest.

Proof of vaccination to enter the space is no longer required but vaccinations are encouraged for patrons for whom they provide an added level of protection.

SEATING:

The Mark O’Donnell does not allow standing room performances; all guests must have a seat upon entry to the theater.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

By Subway:

A, C or G train to the Hoyt/Schermerhorn station (Elevator Accessible).

F train to Bergen Street or Jay Street/Metro Tech stations (Elevator located on northeast corner of Jay and Willoughby Streets.)

Buses serving Downtown Brooklyn:

Fulton Street: B25, B26, B38, B52, B54

Court Street/Borough Hall: B25, B38, B41, B52, B103

Livingston Street: B41, B45, B67, B103

Smith/Jay Street: B26, B54, B57, B61, B67

Atlantic Avenue: B61, B63, B65

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY:

The theater is located on the ground floor of the building with full wheelchair access. Ground floor wheelchair seating is available upon request.

Host or Publisher KEVIN RAY | WORKS