The Humans: An award winning play about family dynamics and change opens Friday
The Humans: An award winning play about family dynamics and change opens Friday
Pulitzer Prize finalist and winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play “The Humans” is coming to Fresno City College opening February 28 in the FCC Theatre.
“The Humans” revolves around Erik and Deirdre Blake who drive from Pennsylvania to spend Thanksgiving with their daughter in her new Manhattan apartment. They’re in the grips of the of the Great Recession and memories of 9/11 still haunt the family. Family dynamics and dysfunction and issues of financial and emotional struggles are explored.
“It takes on some darker tones in that secrets, as are so often the case with these kinds of things, are revealed,” said director Charles Erven. “Hidden slights over the years are expanded upon. Conflicts begin to rise up from that. On top of all of that somewhat typical family gathering, there is a sort of mystery at the core of the play.” Erven adds that the play and characters are very recognizable and while it sounds serious, it’s actually a very funny play.
“The Humans” also employs some unique sound design to it, heightening key moments in the show. “There is a kind of uncanny quality to the proceedings so that sounds begin to take on a slightly more ominous quality as it goes on,” said Erven. Fresno City College acting faculty members are taking on key roles in this show and student actors are double cast so that the faculty serve as mentors to the student actors.
Overall, Erven is very excited to get in an audience for the actors and he’s excited to see the reaction from the audience at the climax of the show.
FCC’s “The Humans” is showing on Feb. 28 and 29 and March 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on March 1, 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. and on March 4 at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for students, staff and seniors, and $8 for groups of 10 or more. Purchase tickets at the Box Office or online at www.fresnocitycollege.edu/boxoffice.
