Humana Festival 2011: 'BOB'
In his second Humana Festival appearance, Peter Sinn Nachtrieb examines the nature of success, destiny and greatness through a character named “BOB,” onstage at Actors Theatre of Louisville March 24 through April 17, 2011. “BOB,” originally commissioned by South Coast Repertory and developed for the Humana Festival through a partnership with Florida State University, won the 2010 Barrie and Bernice Stavis Award from the National Theatre Conference.
Bob is born and abandoned in the bathroom of a White Castle in Louisville and rescued by a woman who believes her destiny is to raise a great man. Eventually, Bob is abandoned once again, this time at a highway rest stop. But he still believes his life’s path will lead to greatness – or, at the very least, to having his name engraved on a plaque. His journey is illuminated by four actors who form a sort of Greek chorus, portraying more than two dozen supporting roles.
Nachtrieb, who was one of six playwrights who collaborated on “BRINK!” for the 2009 Humana Festival. In Louisville for rehearsals, he was inspired to write “BOB” when he walked past the White Castle on Market Street and saw a “Safe Surrender” plaque, denoting the restaurant as a place where people can anonymously drop off babies for whom they cannot care.
Nachtrieb is a member of New Dramatists and a resident at the Playwrights Foundation in San Francisco, where he lives. His play “boom” was recognized by Theatre Communications Group as the most-produced play of the 2009-10 season.
“BOB” is directed by Actors’ associate artistic director, Sean Daniels, and continues beyond the Humana Festival as part of the 2010-11 Actors season.
The nationally renowned Humana Festival of New American Plays is in its 35th year at Actors Theatre of Louisville. It draws thousands of audience members, including the theater industry’s top professionals, to Louisville each year to experience new works, some of which will end up on and off Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. The festival is underwritten by the Humana Foundation.
Hello Louisville Tip: The Humana Festival Locals Pass ($99) allows you to see six festival productions (“A Devil at Noon,” “Maple and Vine,” “Elemeno Pea,” “Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them,” “BOB” and the Ten Minute Plays) on an extra-seat pass basis and can be used throughout the run of the Humana Festival. Call the box office at (502) 584-1205 to purchase.
Posted on Mar 7, 2011 by Carla Carlton
